The Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater is 100% funded!
Monday's amphitheater update brought the good news that with the $800,000 designated for the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' budget, the new downtown park is fully funded. Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman and House Speaker Bob Cupp joined us for the meeting and told us that the state funds projects like these because they have a very important purpose: they enhance the quality of life and assist with workforce development and retention. Mayor Sharetta Smith told us the park will help create a community that has the quality of life that makes people proud to call Lima home. Tracie Sanchez told us that the foundations are in for both the restrooms and amphitheater, the storm sewer system, sanitary system and water service are complete, and masonry work is about to begin. The park should be complete in late spring 2023 and a grand opening celebration is being planned for the first weekend in July 2023. Rotarians raised $1.5 million for the project and the state contributed $1.25 million from its capital budget and $800,000 from the ODNR budget. Tracie says that we are still raising money for extras, like big screens, sound and lights for the stage, as well as for a maintenance fund.
Also at Monday's meeting, Doug Wise told us about his kidney transplant. He started having problems in 2007 and received his transplant on April 6, 2010. He says he's doing well and feeling good, but he pays close attention to his health and strictly follows doctors' orders, which include taking 28 pills every day, getting checkups at St. Rita's every three months and at the Cleveland Clinic twice a year. "The moral of my story is always: if you can, and you're healthy, please consider donating an organ."
Also, congratulations to Shelby Koenig who exchanged her red badge for her blue badge Monday!
