Plans for Komminsk Legacy Park move forward in New Bremen

NEW BREMEN - The name has been announced, a timeline is in place and plans are set for New Bremen's Komminsk Legacy Park to be built next to the Crown Pavilion.

The park is named for lifelong New Bremen area resident Dianne Komminsk, who has pledged to supply an undisclosed portion of the project's funding.

Final figures for the cost of the work and Komminsk's donation are not being released per her request but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded the village a $250,000 grant to improve the former Lions Club Park, a news release said. The village will build a $300,000 restroom facility, which officials view as their contribution to the park project.

Komminsk has pledged to fund the remainder of the project. She has also dedicated an undisclosed additional amount of money for park maintenance, Cathi Hall of Enrichment, etc.! said. Komminsk asked her to keep the focus on the park's value to the area and not her generosity, Hall said.

Representatives from Enrichment, etc.!, Zeal Coaching for Life and Career and the village on Tuesday presented plans for the project's two phases to New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club members.

Cathi Hall and Linda Tinsley of Enrichment, etc.! spoke with Christy Shell of Zeal Coaching and parks superintendent Mike Hibner about the different aspects of the park project, including some of the features, how the plan came together and when people can expect to see construction.

"The park provides a blend of nature, art, culture, history and recreation that reflects and enriches the aesthetic of the town," Christy Shell of Zeal Coaching said.

She described the park as a potential thoroughfare to link the village's residential sections, business areas, restaurants and library.

The park would feature a splash-pad fountain, multiple playground surface areas, a concrete slide, a shaded sitting area, lion sculptures and permanent artwork from area residents.

Phase 1 includes installing the lion sculptures, shaded sitting area, fountain, concrete slide and playground surfaces, as well as the construction of aggregate concrete paths and pads, Hall said.

For Phase 1, the village allocated $300,000 to construct a 1,200-square-foot restroom facility. The money will come from the income tax fund. Freytag & Associates of Sidney created plans for the park and restroom facility.

Phase 2 includes installing park benches and "other park accessories," Hall said, and the installation of permanent works by local artists.

"Phase 2 is really when we want the community to get involved," Hall said.

The artwork would need to be approved by the village as safe and acceptable, he added.

Parks superintendent Mike Hibner said groundbreaking for Phase 1 is June 7 with that portion being completed by winter. Phase 2 work is to start in winter 2016.

"We're all excited to see this park finally coming to fruition. It's something the entire surrounding area can enjoy. The park will benefit the town as a whole," Hibner said.

Linda Tinsley of Enrichment, etc.! said park plans will be on display at the library in the near future.