PERRYSBURG, OH (Toledo News Now) - The city of Perrysburg's Maumee River-front area could soon look totally different, if plans to renovate two parks there go forward.
The city is looking at spending $24 million to build bike trials, an amphitheatre, restaurants, an ice rink and more from Hood Park all the way to Orleans Park along the Maumee River.
Mayor Nelson Evans says the project would be a driver of economic activity to the area.
"It will be an economic engine also in that it will attract people to the community that the businesses want," said Evans.
Orleans Park is directly across the street from Perrysburg's historic downtown business district. Many area residents say they love the idea.
"I think anything they can do here in town to revitalize town is great this downtown area is still growing," said Bill Dhondt Jr of Perrysburg. "An amphitheatre would be wonderful. The ice rink for the kids would be great. [The project would] keep everybody here in town give them something to do."
The area already attracts people from outside of Perrysburg, like Robert Wagner of Maumee.
"It's always fun for us to get out and do different things outside the house, especially when it's free like this and we can just get out and save money and not have to spend a ton to get entertainment," said Wagner.
The city will present the plan to the public at the July 30 city council meeting.
