Recently, the State announced the recipients of Appalachian Community Grants. These specific grants were part of Ohio’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative.
The Appalachian Grant Program is a $500 million program providing planning and development grants for communities located in Ohio’s 32-county Appalachian region, utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative allocated $152 million in 12 counties in the region aimed at expanding access to local waterways, revitalizing historic riverfront downtowns, and creating new tourism and recreational opportunities.
Below are some of the initiatives which are great examples of placemaking. Placemaking is an iterative, collaborative process for creating public spaces that people love and feel connected to. Greater Ohio has been a longtime advocate for placemaking programs as a key element to improving Ohio’s communities and revitalizing neighborhoods.
Downtown Geneva, Ohio. Photo by Andre Carrotflower
Downtown Geneva Revitalization (Geneva | Ashtabula County)
Award: $2,621,152
The City of Geneva will utilize the Appalachian Grant to revitalize and support a range of outdoor activities, including increased sidewalk connections, new wayfinding signage, murals, landscaping, and pocket parks.
Downtown Ashtabula. Photo by Greater Ohio.
Downtown Ashtabula Revitalization (Ashtabula | Ashtabula County)
Award: $1,642,695
The City of Ashtabula is working to revitalize downtown by highlighting the city’s industrial character. Revitalization efforts include adding outdoor seating, wayfinding signage, murals, other improvements, and the creation of pocket parks throughout the area.
Rendering of the completed Skip’s Landing Project.
Skip’s Landing Riverfront (Cochocton | Cochocton County)
Award: $6,700,000
The City of Cochocton is making infrastructure improvements at the Skip Landing riverfront site, including lighting, multi-use paths, a boat ramp, a refurbished pedestrian bridge, a nature walk, green space, and a play area.
Adena Bank Building. Photo by Adena Historical Society
Adena Building Renovations (Adena | Jefferson County)
Award: $4,572,600
The Village of Adena , in partnership with the Adena Historical Society, will restore and repurpose the Adena Bank Building, preserving the buildings historical architecture while modernizing the space for economic development and community needs, including a large public meeting space.
Downtown Zanesville. Image by Greater Ohio.
Zanesville Downtown Streetscape and Secrest Auditorium (Zanesville | Muskingum County)
Award: $6,473,500
These two projects in downtown Zanesville will transform several streetscapes to improve walkability, support various adjacent development initiatives, and encourage downtown recreation. The Secrest Auditorium will undergo renovations, including a new lobby and event space inside, while outside the building will receive enhancements through streetscape improvements and the addition of a new outdoor plaza.
Mahoning River near Downtown Warren. Photo Source.
Mahoning Avenue Corridor Revitalization Plan (Warren | Trumbull County)
Award: $4.338,581
The City of Warren will construct a new pedestrian bridge spanning the Mahoning River, along with making improvements to four parks located along Mahoning Avenue by refreshing the streetscapes, adding new sidewalks to connect the parks, and adding wayfinding signage.
Newcomerstown Façade (Newcomerstown | Tuscarawas County)
Award: $786,290
The Village of Newcomerstown is planning to revitalize its downtown by improving the business façades in the central business district. This will include twenty-two buildings that will receive painting improvements, minor repairs, and clean-up where necessary.