AI Rendering of large laminate Alta Weiss on Sherod Park scoreboard. Not actual plans. For visualization purposes.
The Vermilion Parks & Recreation Board approved two community-building projects during its May 20 meeting: a Little Free Library at Sherod Park and a mural honoring local baseball legend Alta Weiss. But those moments of unity were contrasted by mounting frustration over a delayed veterans flagpole installation and an unresolved sponsorship issue raised by the Kiwanis Club.
Library and Mural Approved for Sherod Park
The board unanimously approved the Rotary Club’s proposal to install a child-focused Little Free Library at Sherod Park near the playground. The structure will be maintained by Rotary volunteers, with support from a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
In a separate presentation, Roger Skelly-Watts proposed a tribute to Alta Weiss, a pioneering female baseball player and Vermilion native. The project will feature a laminated version of Weiss’s historic baseball card displayed on the Sherod Park scoreboard. Board members praised the idea, and Public Art Vermilion is expected to assist with design and placement oversight.
Flagpole Dispute Resurfaces
Representatives from Flags on Liberty, including Paul Habermehl and Cliff German, voiced disappointment about delays and location changes regarding their $25,000 donated flagpole intended for Showse Park. The group said they were clear from the start about wanting the pole in a highly visible, lakeside location. They cited their coordination with city officials and the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission, which helped fund the effort.
Concerns were raised that the alternate location under consideration—near tall trees—would obscure the flag’s visibility and stray from the original purpose of the gift. Board Chair Tina Swinehart acknowledged the frustration and emphasized that no final placement decision had been made.
“We haven’t made a decision yet,” she said. “We don’t want to make a decision yet. We want to look at it a little further and make sure we get it right.”
Kiwanis Seeks Answers on Sponsorship Mix-Up
Kiwanis Club President Amie Martin also addressed the board, following up on concerns shared the previous night at City Council. Martin said the club submitted a $300 check in March to sponsor a youth baseball team through the city’s recreation program. The check was cashed March 28, but the group was never informed of their assigned team.
After repeated attempts to follow up, Martin said they were told the funds had been redirected to basketball due to an internal error. “It’s not about the sport,” she told the board. “It’s about communication and being able to fulfill our commitment to the kids.”
No formal resolution was offered during the meeting.
Additional Updates
The board also approved a donor-funded seasonal mural at Main Street Beach. The artwork will appear on the south wall of the pump house, featuring a summer scene from May through October and a winter version during the off-season. Though not part of the city’s public art program, it will be reviewed by the Historic Design Review Board out of courtesy.
Other updates included:
- The Sherod Park restroom project bid opening is scheduled for May 22
- New pool furniture has been delivered and the pool is preparing to open for the season
- Rotary volunteers will continue maintaining park flower beds
- Lowe’s donated concrete for Showse Park’s health and fitness trail
- Final surfacing for the new pickleball courts remains weather-dependent
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2025.
