Circleville, Ohio — Circleville’s Elks Lodge No. 77 has made a significant contribution to the Friends of Ted Lewis Park with a $2,500 donation. The check was presented by Wes Riley (left) to Larry Logan, chairman of the Friends of Ted Lewis Park, on [date].
The donation is a boost for the group’s ongoing efforts to revitalize Ted Lewis Park. Currently, the Friends of Ted Lewis Park are focusing on the construction of a new concession stand to support the many baseball teams that use the facility. This project is part of a broader initiative to enhance the park’s amenities and accessibility for all visitors.
Larry Logan, a prominent advocate for the park, has recently engaged in discussions with Circleville City Council members about reinstating basketball courts at the park. The addition of these courts is part of the group’s commitment to making the park a more inclusive and engaging space for the community. Logan, Chairman of the Friends of Ted Lewis Park, addressed the Strategic Planning Committee, expressing enthusiasm over recent fundraising successes. “In the past 10 days, we’ve raised $130,000 for the park,” Logan reported. He emphasized the need for basketball courts, a project he said would be funded by Forjak Industrial. Logan urged the committee to pass an ordinance to incorporate these courts into the park’s master plan.
The proposal has stirred mixed reactions among council members and the community. Some members, like Chairman Theis, praised the Friends of Ted Lewis Park for their efforts but voiced concerns about the impact of adding basketball courts. Theis noted that while the park has seen numerous improvements, including new lighting and a planned new shelter house, the addition of basketball courts could conflict with the park’s current master plan priorities.
The master plan, developed in 2015 following community input, outlined priorities based on a survey of 856 residents. Key features identified in the survey included walking and biking trails, improved park safety, and a new splash pad. Basketball courts were among the least desired features.
Committee members debated the relevance of the 2015 survey, with some suggesting it might be outdated. “Nine years is a significant time frame, and the park has changed considerably since then,” remarked one Committee member. There were calls for a new survey to gauge current public opinion before making a final decision.
To follow the progress of the Friends of Ted Lewis Park and stay informed about upcoming projects and events, visit their Facebook page.
