Briefs: Upgrades underway at Pleasant Hill Lake Park

Staff report
·2 min read

Park improvements to be completed by May

PERRYSVILLE — Two pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, cornhole, community firepit and swings with a scenic view of the lake are under construction at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s (MWCD) Pleasant Hill Lake Park in Perrysville.

Construction is expected to be completed by Memorial Day on new pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, cornhole, community firepit, and swings at Pleasant Hill Lake Park.
Construction is expected to be completed by Memorial Day on new pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground, cornhole, community firepit, and swings at Pleasant Hill Lake Park.

The amenities, totaling nearly $1 million, are scheduled to open by Memorial Day, and are part of the MWCD Master Plan investing about $195 million at Atwood, Charles Mill, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca and Tappan Lakes to improve infrastructure and construct new campground areas.

To date, 12 projects totaling $26.1 million have been completed at Pleasant Hill Lake Park since 2016. The projects include a boat storage lot, sanitary collection system improvements, activity center improvements, two new campgrounds and four renovated campgrounds, two new and one renovated restroom/shower building, and 10 new log cabins featuring indoor fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs.

Portion of Bunkerhill North Road closed next week

Bunkerhill North Road, between Ohio 97 and Tugend Road in Worthington Township, will be closed for five days starting Monday, weather permitting. The closure will allow for a culvert replacement.

Backpack Scholarship Program bill receives second hearing

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) and Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) had their Backpack Scholarship Program bill up for a second hearing at the Ohio Statehouse this week, which drew support from dozens of students and advocates throughout the state during committee testimony.

State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) speaks in favor of a Backpack Scholarship Program bill she is sponsoring.
State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) speaks in favor of a Backpack Scholarship Program bill she is sponsoring.

The two representatives held a press conference before the committee hearing to give some background on the legislation.

The bill establishes the program to provide eligible students with an educational savings account (ESA) beginning in the 2024-2025 school year for those enrolling in K-12 nonpublic schools or receiving home education. The program will allow a student’s parent to apply, which could result in them receiving $5,500 for grades K-8, or $7,500 for grades 9-12.

As joint sponsors on the bill, McClain and John said they were pleased with the turnout that came to Columbus in support of the measure. McClain says the program allows "education freedom as well as competition."

The Backpack Scholarship Program bill awaits further consideration in the Primary and Secondary Education Committee.

Irish band in concert in Galion this weekend

GALION — Hitchhikers Band, an Irish band from Wilmington, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Galion Community Theatre. Founded in 2005, the group offers traditional jigs, reels and hornpipes.

Tickets are available at galiontheatre.org or by calling 419-468-2662.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Pleasant Hill Lake Park improvements, John bill gets second hearing