Chillicothe — A draft of the big changes planned for Yoctangee Park were previewed at the Ross County Commissioners’ meeting on Monday.
New buildings, a renovated armory, moved recreational fields, rerouted and removed roads, increased parking – and one or more small roundabouts around the park – were among the preliminary plans being funded by the Appalachian Community Grant.
Michael Salvadore of American Structurepoint emceed the online presentation of some very rough renderings from the fast-paced two-year timeline.
Salvadore is the community development director at the large civil engineering and architectural firm based in Indianapolis. He gave me a thorough explanation of the plannig for Yoctangee Park in the below video interview.
The ideas have evolved from the first renderings shown at the unveiling at the old armory on May 1st. And with the addition of a state grant, more features have been added.
The biggest change is a “campus-like” group of buildings and features that American Structurepoint said are meant to extend the feel of Paint Street down into the park.
First, along the east side of the entrance road would be an amphitheater carved into the hillside. Beyond that would be a realigned road with more parking, running to the Mulberry Street entrance.
Then the multipurpose atrium that would house the Chillicothe Farmers Market and other events is now on the west side of Baseball Diamond One (which would be relocated). The atrium was originally shown behind the old armory.
Next, a separate smaller building – possibly with a tower to allow views over the floodwall – would house the Ross Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau and an office of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, all to help centralize expected international visitation to the World Heritage “Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.”
Closing the line of buildings would be the restored / renovated Memorial Armory, with the ground floor being offices for community nonprofits and business incubators, and the upstairs gym now event space.
Much was presented in the short timeframe, and Salvadore gave me a long interview…so find more in part two, which includes thoughts on the proposed roundabouts. Hear Salvadore in his own words in the below video.
American Structurepoint has a website and is on Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
