The 55-acre site was donated to the city by Baker Concrete in September 2002 to be used for recreational purposes focusing on sports field uses after it purchase the facility just north of the property on North Garver Road.
Monroe City Council approved an emergency resolution during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, to authorize City Manager William Brock to advertise to lease the property for farming purposes.
The city has been leasing the land to farmer Gus Bake, he said.
“Future plans call for a multi-sport complex of a design that has seen several concepts, but no definite layout as of yet. The Park Board has suggested that a portion of the property be utilized as a dog park,” Brock said.
However, he said it is uncertain when the city would develop the park fully, which is part of the city’s master plan.
“It would be the intent of the Park Board to have the dog park opened next year,” Brock said.
Estimated start up cost for the park, which would be located on about five acres on the northwest corner of the railroad tracks, is $30,000 and that would include fencing and parking at the site, said Brad Collins, the city’s director of public works.
The improvements would be funded either by the city’s general fund, park fees, or through funds generated by its Residential Improvement Districts, Brock said.
Monroe’s other parks are: Community Park on South Main Street, Oaklawn Park on Oaklawn Drive, Veterans Park at Ohio 63 and Main Street and Monroe Crossings Park at Ohio 4 and Ohio 63.
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