ONTARIO, Ohio — In today’s version of RichlandSource.com’s Future Forecast Series, Ontario mayor Randy Hutchinson crafted his vision for the future of the community in 2016.
Ontario had a successful year in economic development 2015, with the opening of several new businesses. In 2016, Ontario will continue to be active in business growth and retention.
The Ontario Growth Corporation, Administration and Council work hand-in-hand to make Ontario a business-friendly community. This shows with all the new businesses that continue to locate here. We have updated our website with Zoning and Planning Commission forms to assist citizens and businesses.
Avita Ontario is in the process of construction on their second phase, which will include a full service hospital and helipad. We continue to work with The Ohio State University Mansfield, North Central State College, the city of Mansfield, and other county-wide organizations to form a Campus District. The new Marriott Extended Stay hotel should be open by early spring.
We have been working with the owners of the former GM property to redevelop the site. The site should have EPA clearance soon, which will assist in the development of the property.
We are very proud of our park system and we are excited about the changes that are being made. The Maize Memorial Dog Park opened this year and (it) will continue to make improvements next year.
The park will be divided into sections for large and small dogs and a drinking fountain for dogs and people will be installed. The drinking fountain is courtesy of a grant that Richland Public Health was awarded.
A Frisbee Golf course will be added to the park. Both the Dog Park and Frisbee golf are in the area of the Marshall Park baseball complex. We are installing a new swing set and climbing apparatus next to the baseball complex and a climbing apparatus in Doris Carr Park.
We will be continuing our tree replacement program with the planting of trees along Dunlap Drive in Marshall Park.
