Thank you for your interest in learning more about the proposed downtown recreation area! 

This project presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the City of Findlay to transform our downtown. By investing in green infrastructure, we aim to deliver both a significant flood mitigation benefit and a valuable, usable recreation space for our community. 

Over the past two years, we've carefully evaluated options for the 19 acres of downtown property that will be benched as part of ongoing flood mitigation efforts. Throughout this process, we've been in close communication with Stantec, the engineering firm leading the flood mitigation work, to ensure alignment and avoid duplicating efforts. 

Because flood mitigation remains the top priority, any work in this area must meet two critical requirements: 

1. It must not reduce the effectiveness of flood control. 

2. It must be designed to withstand flooding events. 

To meet these challenges, the City engaged Strand Associates, specialists in flood-area improvements, who also brought in natural environment designers from HumanNature to help integrate recreation and resiliency. 

Summary

Downtown Recreation Area Summary as of 9/1/2025

Below, you'll find additional information on the process so far, including presentations, timeline, concept visuals, and a feedback opportunity. 

For The Kids

We want the kids in our community to feel included in the exciting process of planning our new playground. While some decisions have to be made on engineering needs and budget, we've saved a few important choices just for them! 

We encourage you to take the short survey below with the children in your life so they can help shape a space built just for them. We recommend watching the video below before taking the survey. 

Take the Survey HERE! 

Overview Video 

Timeline

Presentations

June 28, 2023 Downtown Recreation Area Proposal (Appropriations Committee)

Parks for Economic Development Report

August 15, 2022, Concept Presentation

November 21, 2022, Master Plan Presentation

November 21, 2022, Master Plan Additional Snapshots

Environmental

Letter on Environmental Remediation - Michael Coonfare, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Phase II Property Assessment 

Findlay City Council Appropriations Meeting 12/19/2023 (Above Document Presented)

Ra-Nik Property Remediation Completion Report, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC)

Environmental FAQs

Will the Downtown Recreation Area be sage for families and children? 

• Yes. The City of Findlay is proactively following Ohio's Voluntary Action Program (VAP) standards for environmental safety. The area is being assessed and remediated using the Commercial Land Use with High Frequency Child Exposure standards - appropriate for places like parks where children will frequently visit. These standards are more protective than traditional commercial standards and are tailored to ensure safety for child exposure.

What environmental assessments have been conducted so far? 

• In 2023, the City hired Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment across the site. This included: 67 soil borings, 128 soil samples. All samples were tested in certified labs and compared against Ohio VAP's child-protective soil exposure standards. The full Phase 2 Environmental Report is available above in the "Environmental" section. 

What does "High Frequency Child Exposure" mean? 

• This refers to areas where children are expected to be present often - such as schools, daycares, or public parks. The cleanup standards for such areas are more stringent than for general commercial properties because of the increased sensitivity and frequency of exposure among children. 

What happens when contamination is found? 

• Contaminated soil exceeding the selected standard will be excavated, removed, and replaced. The area will then be tested again to ensure it meets environmental safety standards before it is opened for public use. This process is repeated until all areas meet the required levels. 

What is the Ohio Voluntary Action Program (VAP)? 

• The Ohio VAP allows property owners to voluntarily assess and remediate environmental conditions. Cleanup is guided by risk-based standards overseen by a Certified Professional (CP), ensuring exposure pathways (source, route, and receptor) are properly addressed. 

Why not clean it to full residential standards? 

• While cleaning to residential standards (the most stringent) is possible, it is not required for this project's use as a public park. The High Frequency Child Exposure Standard is already a protective and appropriate choice. Going beyond it would be double the remediation cost without providing additional meaningful benefit for the park's intended use. 

Will this interfere with flood mitigation work? 

• No. In fact, remediation is ideally being planned concurrently with the river benching and flood mitigation work. This coordination helps reduce costs and prevents redundant excavation efforts. 

What assurance will the City have that the area is safe when finished? 

•  Upon completion of remediation, final confirmatory sampling will be conducted and documented in a Remedial Implementation Report. Once all standards are met, a No Further Action (NFA) Letter will be issued under Ohio VAP guidelines, certifying the site meets all applicable environmental safety thresholds. 

How much will remediation cost? 

• The estimated cost to remediate the Downtown Recreation Area to meet High Frequency Child Exposure standards is approximately $850,000. The County has received a state brownfield grant through the Brownfield Remediation Program administered by the Ohio Department of Development. 

Who is overseeing the safety and compliance process? 

• All environmental assessments and remediation work are being overseen by CEC and a VAP Certified Professional. The City is also coordinating with Hancock County, the Ohio Department of Development, and Maumee Watershed Conservancy District to ensure compliance with all grant and regulatory requirements.