Editor’s note: This article was updated at 8 pm on July 11, 2024, to correct the scope of work for American Heritage Park.
MOUNT VERNON — Work could begin as soon as Monday on American Heritage Park, which will become the city’s southern gateway.
The park encompasses the area around the CA&C Depot at 501 S. Main St.
Ariel Foundation gifted the City of Mount Vernon a 9-foot, 1,500-pound Statue of Liberty. The bronze reproduction is made from the final planning mold of sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi when creating his full-size Statue of Liberty. Mount Vernon City Council accepted the gift on Feb. 13, 2023.
Credit: SubmittedA highlight of American Heritage Park is Liberty Plaza, featuring a 9-foot bronze reproduction of The Statue of Liberty. Ariel Foundation gifted the statue to the city in February 2023.
The statue will replace Ariel Park Conservancy’s digital sign.
In addition to Liberty Plaza, the project includes paving the north parking lot and realigning it with the south parking lot driveway.
Adena Corp submitted a low bid of $513,344 for the project. The city will award the construction contract this week.
Ariel Foundation donated $345,000 toward the project cost, and the city will contribute $200,000.
A Nature Works grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources covers the remaining $19,040. The state announced the grant award in December 2023.
The roof project at the depot is nearing completion.
Bid opening for splash pad
City Engineer Brian Ball said the splash pad at Riverside Park will go out to bid on Thursday.
The bid opening is scheduled for Aug. 1.
“The project’s had its ups and downs. At this point, we believe it is within budget. We’ll find out when the bids are opened,” Ball said.
“Our consultants and staff have worked hundreds of hours trying to get the splash pad within the budget and site.”
To stay within the budget, the city eliminated benches and shrubbery. It will also reuse the preserved tiles from the B&O depot re-roof project on the splash pad pavilion.
The new plans do, however, now include a fence for the south side of the park.
