TOLEDO, OH, May 23, 2024: Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, the Department of Parks and Youth Services, along with representatives of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s and Senator Sherrod Brown’s Office, the Mannik & Smith Group, and local soccer clubs, came together to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Schneider Park revitalization project at a ribbon cutting event on Thursday, May 23.
The revitalization efforts include a host of improvements designed to enhance the park’s environmental and recreational features. Among these enhancements are expanded soccer fields, a new park entrance off Detroit Avenue, green stormwater infrastructure capable of filtering millions of gallons of stormwater annually, and a loop walking trail.
“After years of planning and almost 18 months of construction, we are excited and proud to celebrate the completion of phase 1 of the Schneider Park revitalization project,” Joe Fausnaugh, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Services, said. “This project is more than an improved park, but one where sustainability and inclusion are woven into the very core of what we intended to accomplish with this project.”
Schneider Park Revitalization project not only breathes new life into a once-neglected area but also serves as a testament to effective teamwork and innovative ideas in making positive community changes.
“The Schneider Park Revitalization project is a collaborative effort to create an epicenter of soccer activity and accessibility in Toledo. Together, this project team is re-building a park that will host expanded space for the world’s favorite sport with a focus on environmental and economic sustainability,” Sally Gladwell, Senior V.P. / Senior Principal with The Mannik & Smith Group, said. “Schneider Park will be an example of how to leverage existing strengths, transform assets that are in need, and instill new energy through creative programs and established public-private partnerships – all for the love of the game and our community! Our project team is extraordinarily grateful to U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, and all the others who have supported this endeavor.”
Phase 2 will include paving a loop walking trail, construction of mini-pitch accessible soccer fields, renovation of flush restrooms, and the addition of an inclusive playground.