What's Happening in Lebanon, OH…

Plans are in the works for a new park to be built in front of a Lebanon school. The park would increase the size of the downtown area, and at the same time, revive the property's use as a commons.

The idea of a commons—a central area everyone in a community uses—is centuries old. Lebanon historian Michael Coyan says the grounds of the school were used for that purpose for many years, so creating a park restores that history, in a sense. Coyan said the plan for the park would follow a drawing he received from Helen Hartz, a botany and biology teacher.

The park will cost approximately $430,000. Part of the funding will come from impact fees a developer paid to reach an agreement allowing the building of two restaurants, a brew pub, and over 120 condos or apartments on the site of a city garage. The park would help to serve as a “gateway feature” to Lebanon's historic downtown. Officials working with concepts like this can use brochure printing to illustrate the amenities of the area to potential residents and tenants.

The next part of the process requires both the School Board and the City Council to formally agree to back the park's construction, after which detailed designs for the park can be generated, according to Scott Brunka, the city manager. He added that the park, and the development neighboring it, will enhance the livability and walkability of the area.