At its February 17 meeting, City Council greenlighted a report from its Recreation and Parks Committee, providing staff direction to support Phase I of Troy’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The report recommends creating alternative design concepts to reimagine Duke Park into a bigger sports and recreation destination, as well as other immediate projects.
What did Council Approve?
First, the Recreation and Parks Committee’s report recommended that City staff seek proposals for design work related to the Duke Park Renovation Project. Desired designs will optimize and expand sports facilities while improving traffic flow at Troy’s busiest park. Of several sets of priorities discussed during the park planning process, the recommended option will explore:
- Adding baseball/softball diamonds.
- Adding new full-sized soccer and football fields.
- Reconfiguring roadway access, pedestrian circulation, and parking.
- Building new restrooms, concessions, and storage facilities.
This recommendation authorizes staff to request proposals from qualified engineers and architects. Any additional action on the Duke Park project will need to be considered and approved by City Council.
Council to Add Funds to 2026 Budget
Council requested legislation to add $3 million into the 2026 budget to fund three specific projects that focus on keeping existing Park facilities usable, accessible, and well-maintained. Those projects include:
- Replacing playground equipment at Community Park ($500,000). This project will include new equipment, featuring an ADA-accessible artificial turf surface like the new surfacing going in at Duke Park.
- Replacing the irrigation system at Miami Shores Golf Course ($2.5 million). Much of the current irrigation system has been in place for nearly fifty years. The project will replace a system that has outlived its usable life and will allow staff to keep the municipal course in good condition.
- Funding the design for Troy Aquatic Park Phase II improvements ($50,000). The Phase II design project will build upon the $1.7 million maintenance project already budgeted for 2026 and will include improvements to the concession area. As demand has outpaced capacity at Troy Aquatic Park, these improvements will allow the facility to host more pool-goers comfortably.
Legislation allowing for this reappropriation of funds will be presented to City Council within the coming weeks.
Council Confirms Support for Joe Reardon Skate Park
Finally, the report recommends that Troy’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan commit $410,000 in future funding to add restrooms, lighting, and new benches and tables at Joe Reardon Skate Park. These upgrades are not currently scheduled and will be dependent upon agreements with Troy Community Skatepark Unite (TSCU). However, the City hopes that a verified commitment will assist TCSU in their ongoing private fundraising efforts.
About the Park and Recreation Master Plan
These exciting initiatives align with priorities recommended by the Park Board and Recreation Board during their review of the draft Park and Recreation Master Plan, fast-tracking updates to Troy’s parks and recreation system. Troy’s consultants at American StructurePoint and Legacy Sports Group created the Park and Recreation Master Plan draft in close partnership with City staff, using feedback from stakeholders' groups, numerous public meetings and engagement events, and a public survey with over 800 responses.
To view more information about the Park and Recreation Master Planning process and see the draft plan, visit www.troyohio.gov/parkplanning.