Seven Hills Park Plans Move Forward

Summitview Restrooms and Storage under construction (supporting Soccer, Baseball, Bocce, volleyball, walking trail, home days, concert series, picnic pavilion and much more)

First, I want to congratulate the Parma Observer on their 13th Anniversary issue. Next would like to the thank Parma Observer Publisher Daniel P. McCarthy for his article the 2022 Seven Hills Home Days. The picture he took for article was sadly the last photo ever taken of my father before his passing. I have so much to share about our parks and recreation improvements, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t at least briefly touch upon the City of Seven Hills’ finances.  The current financial situation remains strong. As of August YTD, financial statements, the General Fund Unexpended (Cash) Balance is $8.56 million, a particularly strong balance for a city of this size and revenue stream. The August YTD General Fund Revenue at $9.35 million outpaced General Fund Expenses of $7.93 million.  We are currently forecasting to finish the year with a General Fund surplus.  We will once again set aside / dedicate any surplus to the capital improvement fund where it will be applied to future projects such as the 2023 road program.

The Seven Hills Community Recreation Center is getting ready to commemorate its 20th birthday. We will be celebrating with new cardio and strength equipment, designed to be more energy and space efficient. Keeping up with building maintenance and upgrades is like owning your home – you want to be efficient and safe without becoming dated. Further, we need to remain competitive in the marketplace, as there are many other fitness options in the area.  The excellent staff at the center continues to help the facility surpass the competition. Membership is at an all-time high and programs are constantly growing and changing with the needs of the greater community. Throughout the parks this summer, you may have noticed several updates. Most noticeable to date, each of our larger parks are right in the middle of the construction of safe, inclusive restrooms. Meijer Park now has a new ADA compliant restroom and storage building already in use.  

While we invested wisely at the right time to get the lowest possible rates on our bonds, we are still doing our best to apply for grant and funding opportunities to maximize the city’s investments (noted below).

John Glenn, Calvin Park (assisted by $75,000 from the State Capital Fund), and Summitview Commons (behind City Hall) will be done by the end of this year. Other improvements coming soon include the completion of the playground at Cricket Park (assisted by a $25,000 grant from University Hospitals) , followed by a pavilion shelter also at Cricket Park, a new playground at North Park, as well as an outdoor fitness course (assisted by $50,000 Cuyahoga County supplemental grant).  Additionally, our volleyball courts have been renovated and improved with the help of our Service Department and the Bocce Courts in Summitview Commons are back (bocce and corn hole leagues forming soon for the spring)!  

We also secured funding to cover the demolition of the old press box at Meijer Park (Valleywood) and the old recreation center at Calvin. The grant will cover expenses related to both demos up to approximately $312,000. This administration has now secured nearly $5.5 million in Grants, Awards & Partnerships. Great job, team! At this time, we are approximately 15% into our park master plan. The remainder of the project is scheduled to be complete over the next 16 months or so.

I’m going to wrap up on personal note. I want to thank all of you who took the time to reach out and express your sympathy or condolences on the passing of my father. Your kindness made a difference during a very difficult time in my life.

Tony Biasiotta

Mayor, City of Seven Hills. Ohio

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Volume 14, Issue 10, Posted 8:06 AM, 10.01.2022