Dover to seek state grant to build two soccer practice fields

DOVER — The city is going to be applying for a state grant to build two new full-sized soccer practice fields at the old Krantz Berry Field of off Walnut Street.

Council gave its approval Tuesday to apply for an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Nature Works grant.

The city is working on the project with Dover City Schools and the Dover Soccer Association.

The fields would be used primarily by middle school and high school students so that they would have a designated practice area.

The project is estimated to cost around $150,000.

Interim Mayor Shane Gunnoe said the school district is going to share in the cost of maintenance of the fields, as well as irrigation.

The city would be required to make a 25% matching contribution to the project, but the Dover Soccer Association has pledged most, if not all, of those costs, Gunnoe said.

"We've received a lot of letters of support," he said. "We're really hopeful that the application will go forward, but that decision rests with ODNR. Ultimately, if it comes to fruition, it will be a great benefit to the community."

In other business, council:

• Approved giving $5,000 in bed tax money to Elite Tire Dover, Inc., on N. Wooster Avenue for a sign in keeping with signage in the downtown historic district.

• Heard Gunnoe report work has begun on erection of a veteran's monument on the Dover square. Concrete and electrical work is ongoing now. The monument is expected to arrive soon.

• Heard Gunnoe report that the city is accepting applications for full-time (10 hours a week) and substitute crossing guards. The applicants must pass a background check and drug screening and will be paid $9.30 an hour. Dover is also accepting applications for seasonal lifeguards.

• Heard the interim mayor report that he and Service Director Dave Douglas met with a representative of Newton Asphalt about the city's paving program. Depending on the weather, paving could begin in about three weeks, starting in the downtown area.

• Heard Gunnoe report that the city is closing in on its portion of the funding goal for the Tuscarawas Arts Partnership "Love Tusc" project. Four artists have applied to work on the city's sculpture.

Prior to the meeting, Joe Sciarretti was sworn in as Dover councilman at large.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Dover to seek state grant to build two soccer practice fields