MOUNT VERNON — New Life Church of the Nazarene is passionate about helping the community, especially youths. Hopefully, revitalizing Lamb Park can be part of that passion.
Pastor Troy McNichols told the county commissioners on Thursday that the church operates on the principle of “If New Life were to disappear, would anyone miss us?”
“Most things revolve around youths. We are doing a lot with the schools, supporting them,” McNichols said.
The church at 665 Harcourt Road also offers a community sports program.
“We have 1,000-plus students involved with all of our sports. We either have to borrow or rent green space or gym facilities,” McNichols said.
The church would like to refurbish Lamb Park for its green space. McNichols said the property owner is willing to lease the park to New Life.
McNichols is negotiating terms but would like a five-year lease because refurbishing the park is a significant investment.
He estimates it will cost $100,000. Plans call for a baseball/softball field, basketball court, U8 soccer field, and a dual-use baseball/soccer field.
“I almost see it as a Field of Dreams kind of a thing.”
Troy mcNichols, Pastor New Life Church of the Nazarene
Two parking areas would accommodate 48 to 54 vehicles.
“We like the idea of it being ‘Historic’ Lamb Park. I almost see it as a Field of Dreams kind of thing,” McNichols said.
Ryan Farr, sports director at New Life, said the cost is evenly split between materials and labor.
McNichols said the project is still in the talking/brainstorming stage. Anyone wishing to contribute labor, services, equipment, or financially can email McNichols at troy@newlifenaz.net.
The park is in Clinton Township. The county has a park district board that manages its park system, but park activities are not typically organized recreational programs.
Commissioner Thom Collier noted the county leases land to the Howard baseball program with the understanding that the lease will terminate should the county need the land for its well field.
“You hit the nail on the head when you talk about 1,000-plus youth,” Commissioner Bill Pursel said. “When youth are involved with programs, they are not out committing crime.”
Other New Life initiatives
McNichols said the church is also exploring a child care program.Â
“New Life has the ability, we have the facility, we have the leadership. The only thing we can’t do is the upfront cost because we have another initiative underway,” McNichols said.
That other initiative is a $6 million expansion project.
McNichols said the church’s facility could provide 70 to 75 child care spots. Facility renovations would cost about $500,000. Direct costs, such as salaries, would run from $60,000 to $80,000.
“It would be a priority for us as a church because it offers the opportunity to connect with families who are unchurched,” McNichols said. “But it also meets a need in the community.
Pursel suggested McNichols contact SproutFive, a Columbus-based early learning center.Â
“They are looking for locations. They would do it all; they just needed a location,” he said.
New Life does offer a Buddies program focusing on special needs youth. It also continues its Foster Life program, which supports foster and kinship families.
“These are the doors the Lord has opened,” McNichols said. “We have the facilities, we just don’t have the money.”
The commissioners suggested several funding sources that could help.
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