Perrysburg officials vow to work with council on riverfront plan

12/11/2014
BY MATT THOMPSON
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Perrysburg officials say they'll work with city council members to create a plan to improve the riverfront.
Perrysburg officials say they'll work with city council members to create a plan to improve the riverfront.

Perrysburg city administration officials will work with city council members to craft a revised plan to improve the city’s riverfront.

Bridgette Kabat, city administrator, shared a list of goals for the project Wednesday night with the council’s recreation committee and asked committee members to amend the list with goals of their own. With that, the administration and committee can agree on priorities and set parameters for an architect to design the project.

Ms. Kabat described the ideal project as creating “more access, places to gather, and with whatever we do making sure it is sensitive to the people that live there, sensitive to the environment and history and culture.” 

She mentioned the project could include plaques or historical memorabilia to honor Perrysburg’s history and culture.

Residents and city officials have for years discussed creating better access to the Maumee River, particularly in Hood Park.

The city’s current administration has made the riverfront project a priority, pitching a series of proposals to residents and the city council in recent months. 

“The committee will need time and do a little reading,” said Chairman Rick Rettig, who also complimented city workers who prepared the project-planning information to council members Wednesday.

The next scheduled recreation committee meeting is Jan. 13.

Residents who have attended open-house events have suggested the city add landscaping at the riverfront and include development that is sensitive to the river environment. City officials and residents also have suggested adding benches, restrooms, drinking fountains and bike racks at the riverfront.

Input from residents, the city’s administration and council has revealed a consensus for improving physical and visual access to the Maumee River, making the area around the boat club in Hood Park more accessible and enhancing natural areas and recreational facilities.

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.