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The Lawrence Township Trustees recently purchased approximately ten acres of land adjacent to the Tuscarawas River for the development of the River Community Park. The Trustees conducted public meetings to discuss the recreational needs of the Township and what would best meet the residents' needs. Based upon these meetings as well as discussions with local community groups, the Trustees have decided to construct the following facilities:

q       basketball court

q       soapbox derby track

q       park and ride area

q        recreational trail that will connect to the Towpath Trail.

q        playground

 

The basketball complex consisting of two lighted courts and bleachers will be the only such outdoor facility in Lawrence Township. This facility will be made available for summer time basketball tournaments and training camps for local youth in addition to informal pickup games. 

 

The Park will also feature a car park that will allow local residents wishing to travel to surrounding metropolitan areas to carpool and carshare.

 

A recreational walking trail will circle the Park’s perimeter and connect with the Bolivar section of the Ohio Erie Canal Towpath trail and the trail to Zoar though the historic and beautiful Zoar Plains.

 

A dedicated soapbox derby track is needed in Tuscarawas County to replace the one that is no longer available (Wabash Ave in New Philadelphia.) The soapbox derby organization will host two rallies and one SuperKids event per year. These rallies will have fifty to seventy participants at each event. As indicated in the attached letter from the President of the Tuscarawas County Soap Box Derby, the SuperKids event provides a unique opportunity for children with special needs to race down the hill and to experience the thrill of racing.

 

The Township Board of Trustees strongly believes the social and physical benefits that children derive from playing on a well-appointed playground are significant. Considering issues as childhood obesity, diabetes and declining social skills, playgrounds are an excellent way to get kids moving and socially active.  The Lawrence Township Board of Trustees is committed to providing the children of Township residents the opportunity for play and development in their community

 

These facilities and park-based events will boost the local economy as a hotel and several restaurants are located within walking distance. More importantly, this park will become a focus for visitors and residents to take advantage of other nearby recreational opportunities, such as golf, kayaking /canoeing, and bicycling along the Towpath trail. Additionally, the historical areas of Fort Laurens and Zoar Village are less than 5 minutes away.

 

Lawrence Township has been awarded a grant by the Ohio EPA in the amount of $324,000 to help fund the estimated $460,000 total project costs.