CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — In a major win for Pickaway County recreation, the City of Circleville has secured $2 million in state funding to develop a highly anticipated community pool and aquatic facility at Barthelmas Park.
The allocation is a cornerstone of the state’s newly unveiled $3.7 billion biennial Capital Budget, introduced in the Ohio General Assembly as Senate Bill 450. Sponsored by Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), the sweeping legislation funds infrastructure, K-12 school improvements, university upgrades, and community-level construction projects across Ohio.
“There are always millions more dollars worth of projects requested than can be approved,” Senator Cirino said in a statement. “We worked closely with House Finance Chairman Brian Stewart evaluating and prioritizing key projects around the state to make sure this community-based budget is fiscally responsible.”
Because the House version of the budget is identical to SB 450, it is being co-championed by Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville). “This Capital Budget is well-rounded, with support for local projects that equally prioritizes both rural and urban communities across Ohio,” Stewart noted. “I’m proud to say that every single county in the state will receive funding.”
From Town Halls to Millions in Funding
The $2 million cash infusion marks a massive turning point for a project local residents have been vocal about for years. In 2025, Circleville Mayor Blanton and city leaders hosted two public town halls, inviting community members to directly shape the future of Barthelmas Park.
While the park already features baseball diamonds, a playground, soccer fields, Pickleball, shelter houses, and permanent restrooms, the city has long been looking to expand. Back in 2019, Circleville utilized a $300,000 grant to purchase 22 additional acres of land adjacent to the park. Though the land has sat undeveloped, a 2023 conceptual master plan laid out an ambitious vision:
- A modern community pool and aquatic center
- Four additional softball fields
- A centralized concession and restroom hub
- Expanded parking along Kingston Pike
- A scenic pond, gazebo, and surrounding walking trail
While local officials acknowledge that $2 million will not cover the entirety of the park’s massive multi-phase expansion plan, it provides the critical, heavy-lifting financial foundation required to finally bring the community pool to life.
“This project will only succeed if it reflects the needs and wishes of our community,” City Planner Hannah Wynne previously stated regarding the development efforts.
Pickaway County also will recieve other funding; we will cover that in another story
The Big Picture: How the $3.7 Billion State Budget Breaks Down
Beyond Circleville’s local park funding, Senate Bill 450 represents a massive statewide infrastructure package. The largest areas of approved capital spending across Ohio include:
- $600 million for K-12 school building renovations and assistance
- $510 million for local infrastructure projects (including specific set-asides for townships under 5,000 residents)
- $346.5 million for state behavioral health facility upgrades
- $236.8 million for state prison infrastructure
- $210 million for Clean Ohio conservation grants and low-interest local government loans
- $142.2 million for local cultural, arts, and historic site preservation projects
- $76.9 million for Ohio’s state parks
The legislation will move through the standard committee hearing processes in Columbus before heading to the Governor’s desk for final signature.
