Circleville, Ohio — Residents largely welcomed the city’s plan to transform two large parcels into passive recreation parks during a public hearing at the Circleville City Council meeting on December 16, 2025, while raising questions about flooding, parking, lighting, and property impacts.
City Planner Hannah Wynne presented rezoning requests for two properties acquired earlier in 2025 using a $994,000 Clean Ohio Grant: a 23-acre wooded site at 460 North Pickaway Street and a 24-acre parcel on North Court Street, totaling about 47 acres. Both are currently zoned agricultural/residential and would be rezoned to Community Service (CS) for park use.
The Pickaway Street property has undergone invasive species removal, damaged tree clearing, and demolition of a dilapidated house. Plans include new trails and a separate parking area off North Pickaway Street, with hopes to open it early next year.
The North Court Street site, adjacent to the River Ridge subdivision and featuring Dry Run creek, remains untouched but will follow similar development: trails and possible picnic areas.
Grant restrictions and deed limitations limit both to passive recreation — trails, shelter houses, restrooms, parking, possibly a dog park or disc golf — prohibiting active features like playgrounds, ball fields, or sports courts.
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
Public comments reflected enthusiasm for in-town green space connecting to trails like the Roundtown Trail, but neighbors expressed concerns:
- Residents and others asked about lighting (limited to parking areas for natural feel), barriers/fencing near creeks and backyards for safety/privacy, and potential tree planting for screening.
- One person was worried about the proposed parking near a shared driveway, recent flooding, and impacts on his home’s sale (a buyer backed out due to uncertainty).
- One questioned floodplain/floodway compliance for the driveway/parking, noting past development denials.
City officials assured compliance with flood regulations, a new separate entrance to avoid shared driveway confusion, and future site plans reviewed by the Park Board and Planning & Zoning Commission.
Council members noted the parks’ benefits over potential dense residential development, which past flooding concerns deterred. Maintenance will integrate into existing park operations, with potential future parks department expansion.
The hearing closed unanimously. Legislation for rezoning will advance to the Judicial Committee in early 2026, with further council consideration.
The projects aim to preserve open space, enhance connectivity, and provide natural recreation areas for residents. Wynne told Council that as the park planning progresses, she will share a final plan soon.
