A graphic outlining the four-phase proposal for the Farm Colony complex in North Warren. Graphic submitted.

Commissioners Hear Proposal for Farm Colony Complex

January 10, 2023

A four-phase proposal for the future of the Farm Colony park in North Warren was laid forth at Monday’s Warren County Commissioners work session.

The total cost for the proposal, which is to update the current facility and turn it into a multi-sport recreation park, is slated to be in the ballpark of $13 million.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston said right now the focus is on the first phase, which would include a field for children with special needs, as well as upgrades to parking and improving the entrance to the complex.

“Obviously this has something that has been kicked around for a while,” Eggleston said. “It’s a gorgeous space. It has a ton of potential and is county-owned.”

The funding for the project has shifted from a former proposal for the Grunderville landfill site.

“We’ve worked with Mackin Engineering for the past six months to determine what the best use of the site would be,” Eggleston said.

Phase one, Eggleston said, would also include an upgrade to the stormwater management system. Eggleston believes they can complete the first phase for $1-$1.5 million.

“This is a fluid process,” Eggleston said. “It’s not a situation where there has to be $13 million tomorrow. Right now, as we sit today, we’re just focused on that first part of the plan.”

The facility currently doesn’t have a parking lot and just a dirt road that circles the complex.

“There’s no official parking or paved road,” Eggleston pointed out. “There’s dirt roads. We would create a defined parking space. I believe this would create over 150 parking spaces.”

He also explained the adaptive field would be for everyone to use.

“People with special needs would be able to use it as well,” Eggleston said. “It would be a turf surface that would be able to be utilized by people in wheelchairs, walkers, etc.”

While the focus right now is strictly on the first phase, there are three additional phases to the potential project.

Phase two includes the upgrade of the current fields, while phase three would be the installation of other sports courts, including basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, and volleyball courts, as well as an extension of the current trail system and restroom facilities.

Phase four would include a baseball stadium and field construction, including a grandstand and field lights.

“I think it’s a great project,” said Dr. William Clark, who was one of the key players in the improvements to the Lacy Park Multisensory Playground in Warren. “I’m representing some of the people that couldn’t be here today, but that same group that was behind the Lacy Park project is ready to roll.”

         

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