Vandalia using ARPA funds to upgrade city playgrounds, pave roads

$1.6 million allocation used to “benefit entire community”
The baskets at the new disc gold course at Helke Park are numbered so that players can follow the course easier. SUBMITTED

The baskets at the new disc gold course at Helke Park are numbered so that players can follow the course easier. SUBMITTED
Local News
By
Jan 30, 2023
X

Vandalia officials have spent about half of the city’s $1.6 million American Rescue Plan allocation and intend to put most of the remaining funds into local playground upgrades.

“Our council wanted to use the money for projects that would be tangible and visible to the people of our city,” said Vandalia spokesperson Rich Hopkins via email. “These are projects that are necessary, and will benefit the entire community.”

Vandalia’s projects so far have consisted of creating restroom facilities, paying out public safety bonuses, small business grants and road paving projects throughout the city.

In 2023, the city plans to spend about $225,000 on each of three playgrounds at the sports complex, Helke Park and Robinette Park.

Plans for the small amount left over will be decided once the parks projects are fully complete, said Hopkins.

Municipalities have until 2024 to fully allocate their ARPA funds and until 2026 to fully spend the funds.

Editor’s Note: This story is part of a Dayton Daily News series tracking how dozens of our area’s largest governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars combined from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Visit our “Billions in COVID aid: Where it’s going” special section on our partner newspaper’s website at daytondailynews.com/investigations/billions-in-covid-aid to see summaries from other communities.

In Other News
1
Missing West Carrollton teen found safe
2
Dayton man indicted for murder; gunshot victim crashes car into pole
3
Fire at Centre City building downtown affected Holly Days
4
Springfield Haitian residents use public assistance like everybody...
5
NEW DETAILS: Wright State, Air Force extend campus work pact

About the Author

Follow Avery Kreemer on twitter

Based in Ohio's capitol, Avery is focused on using local angles to bring relevant and straightforward statewide news to our readers. You can send tips, questions or comments to his linked email.