40. Community Need This comprehensive plan builds upon prior planning efforts, including a community survey and strategic plan completed in 2021. The plan aims
to enhance the usability and environmental health of Countryside Park, a unique greenspace generously gifted to our community over four decades ago by resident Tom Stolz.

The development of this plan was a community-wide effort, involving input from residents of Centerville and Washington Township, as well as key stakeholders such as the Centerville Noon Optimists, Washington-Centerville Public Library, and the Centerville-Washington Park District. Our primary objective was to create a unified park and recreation campus that supports community events, fosters connectivity,
provides inclusive access and promotes opportunities for business and residential development. The resulting plan outlines a roadmap for achieving these goals over the next six years.

Local parks and recreation have long been recognized for their positive impact on health and wellness, as well as their important role in driving economic activity. A 2019 report by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University ranked Ohio 7th in the nation for economic activity related to parks and recreation, generating $7 billion and contributing significantly to GDP and job creation. Since the pandemic, these numbers are projected to have grown considerably as so many rediscovered the value of their parks.

Countryside Park is a crucial asset that enhances Washington Township's vibrancy and prosperity. By improving connectivity between the park and its surrounding businesses and residences, we can unlock new opportunities for its use and further enhance downtown Washington Township's appeal. Those projects included in our request for state funding include:

Consolidation of vehicular entrances along State Route 725 and McEwen Road, enhancing access, safety, and wayfinding with a centralized roundabout, ($1.3 million).

Development of a gateway plaza linking RecPlex east and west buildings with Countryside Park, creating a functional destination for community events, ($1.9 million).

Establishment of a new trailhead and neighborhood access point along McEwen Road, enhancing greenspace and connectivity to residents and businesses, ($725,000).

Trail widening and repaving throughout the park to improve accessibility and connectivity, ($501,000).