Joe Fosnaught, director of Parks and Youth Services, told the Toledo City Council the administration is seeking authorization to reallocate $169,497.10 within the city’s local fiscal recovery (ARPA) fund to finish park work and youth programming. "Over the past 4 years...we were allocated $66,000,000 for youth programming...we were also allocated $12,000,000 for park improvement projects," Fosnaught said, explaining small balances remained after projects were completed and the requested reallocation would put those dollars to use.

The reallocation is intended to cover finishing items on existing projects, including a larger shade shelter added after work began on the Jamie Farr Park splash pad. Fosnaught said the city is installing five playgrounds now and expects leftover playground funds will be used for sidewalks and additional play amenities.

Council members also reviewed a request to authorize up to $25,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to renovate the Robinson Park athletic field. Fosnaught described the problem as exposed concrete foundations left after the former Robinson Elementary demolition and said the $25,000 would mainly pay for topsoil to replace removed rubble and support healthy turf. Chair Williams noted the full Robinson Park project has grown to roughly $318,000 because demolition required deeper removal than expected.

Council members approved a routine agreement request to continue the city’s 1% for the arts allocation with the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo to implement the 2025 municipal art plan; the item was presented as an annual authorization.

The council was also asked to accept two private contributions toward Savage Park renovations: a $100,000 donation from the Owens Corning Foundation and a $25,000 grant from the Helping Hens Foundation. Fosnaught said those private funds will help meet a 1:1 local match requirement for an Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program grant the city received. "The project is out to bid right now," Fosnaught said, adding the city is finalizing a memorandum of agreement that would allow the removal of the existing pool structure. "It is eligible for the historic register. It's not on the historic register, but it's eligible," he said, and work with the National Park Service is underway to finalize the agreement before awarding a construction contract.

Several council members praised the administration for leveraging ARPA dollars and outside funding to expand park projects. Councilwoman Gaddis, Councilwoman McPherson and others asked timing and scope questions about bids and project components. Fosnaught said the administration will return with award recommendations once the bidding and the required intergovernmental agreement regarding the pool structure are complete.

No separate formal vote count was recorded in the transcript for these items; the items were presented for council authorization and the chair called for suspension/consent on multiple items during the meeting.