SUNBURY — The Gazette attended and wrote about the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District’s first meeting on April 3. This board is charged with potentially getting a recreation center established in the eastern half of the county. Let’s review what the district has done to date this year.
Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District
* Exploratory committee members Joe St. John (Mayor of Sunbury), Jeff Kinnell (Mayor of Galena), and Tyler Lane (Berkshire Township Administrator) welcomed the board at its inaugural meeting on April 3. The six-person board approved a budget, insurance, legal counsel, and an investment policy.
* At the meeting on May 1, it was noted that a previous Joint Recreation District (JRD) was formed for the area in 2006 and proved to be unsuccessful. Sunbury Administrator Daryl Hennessy said he would talk to two of its former board members. A discussion with Chief Operation Officer Gary Linn of the Central Ohio YMCA yielded a recommendation of securing 8-10 acres or more of land for a recreation facility.
* Linn and CEO Tony Collins gave a presentation on May 22. “The YMCA is the region’s largest childcare provider, serving over 44,000 youth in 2023, including 493 children from the Big Walnut School District,” meeting minutes said. Mr. Mischa Bodak, a Harlem Township resident, spoke about the benefits of recreational sports tourism.
* The board approved a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) related to a community needs assessment and market analysis at the meeting on June 5. Hennessy said the JRD was put to a vote in May 2007, and voters opposed the millage by roughly 2,200 to 1,300. It was later said the effort failed due to miscommunications.
* Three consulting firms were interested in submitting RFQs, it was said on June 26.
“Mr. Hennessy presented community profile data to the Board to help inform future ballot initiatives,” minutes said. “Based on Delaware County Regional Planning Commission profiles, 2025 population estimates are approximately 7,500 in Berkshire, 1,650 in Galena, and 7,900 in Sunbury. Sunbury has the youngest median age (33), while Berkshire is the oldest (38.5). Median household income is highest in Berkshire (~$136,000), with Sunbury at ~$92,000. Home values range from ~$400,000 in Sunbury to ~$500,000 in Berkshire. About 44% of the population across all jurisdictions is between ages 27-60. A discussion followed on ballot strategy and election timing. The Board considered the May primary or November general election in 2026, noting that costs may be lower if shared with other entities and that voter turnout is typically higher in congressional election years. Political context and potential competing ballot issues were also discussed.”
* Becky Princehorn from the law firm Bricker Graydon gave an overview of the bond and levy process on July 31.
“JRDs can place property tax-backed bond issues on the ballot for projects such as parks, recreation centers, and pools, but cannot levy income or sales taxes or combine a bond issue with an operating levy. She outlined the required steps, including defining the project, estimating its life, passing a Resolution of Necessity, obtaining millage certification from the County Auditor, and adopting a Resolution to Proceed at least 90 days before an election. If approved by voters, the Board must then vote to issue the bonds, which may involve a public sale and coordination with rating agencies. She stressed the importance of timing to avoid costly special elections and noted that user fees are permitted without affecting tax-exempt status.”
* JRD member Mr. Bernie Kooi addressed Sunbury City Council on Aug. 6 and updated them on their progress.
* Pizzuti Solutions was selected by the board to do the community needs assessment and market analysis for a community center at its meeting on Aug. 27. The study was estimated to take six months.
* A virtual meeting was held on Sept. 15. A steering committee was formed to assist Pizzuti Solutions with the project.
* A preliminary 2026 budget of $100,000 was approved on Oct. 6. Total expenditures through September were under $19,900, it was said.
* Pizzuti Solutions, MSA Design and Urban Decision Group gave an update on the assessment and analysis on Nov. 3. The Gazette attended and previously reported on this meeting.
* A special meeting was held Nov. 12 at Berkshire Township Hall. Pizzuti and MSA told residents this was the first of three public meetings for a community center feasibility study running through March 2026.
“During public comment, residents expressed strong support for creating a community center and emphasized the need for both indoor and outdoor recreational and social spaces. Common requests included indoor and outdoor pools, fitness areas, gymnasiums, turf or court space for youth sports, multipurpose rooms, senior activity areas, walking tracks, child watch spaces, and flexible rooms for programs. Several residents highlighted the shortage of youth sports facilities in the Big Walnut area and urged consideration of indoor turf and multi-use courts. Others encouraged inclusion of co-working areas, indoor play spaces, and potentially a small performance or theater area.
“Attendees also stressed the importance of accessibility for seniors, affordability, and designing the facility to grow with the community. Some raised questions about funding, tax impacts, and long-term operations. The consultants noted that the study will evaluate various financing options, partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and both public and third-party management models. Overall, public sentiment was supportive, with residents emphasizing inclusive programming, financial sustainability, and ongoing communications throughout the process.”
* The agenda for Dec. 1 included a youth sports focus group, community center site visits, appointment of board members, and a JRD website preview.
Residents can add their thoughts on a potential community center by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BTBLPCD.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He can be reached via Webex at 1-740-363-1161 or on X @GaryBudzak.
