Community Engagement

In 2022, the City underwent a year-long planning process involving hundreds of residents, stakeholders, and community leaders to develop the City’s first comprehensive plan since 1948, as well as set a roadmap for how the City should respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The comprehensive plan, Choose Chillicothe, identified that the transformation of Yoctangee Park was far and away the most desired improvement residents and businesses wished to see for the City. This work set the stage and poised Chillicothe's project application for the Appalachian Community Grant Program. The elements set forth in the Comprehensive Plan were included in this grant application.

To bring this vision to life, the City of Chillicothe partnered with Ross County to submit a joint application that included not only Ross County but also 11 additional counties and 30 communities. This application highlighted Southern Ohio’s rich history, heritage, and culture.

Thanks to this extensive community engagement across the Appalachian region and with the residents of Chillicothe, the Governor’s Office announced that the joint application would be funded, paving the way for significant improvements to Yoctangee Park. 

Additional Community Involvement

Planning and design for such a large project is crucial. Stakeholders are actively involved in the conversations, planning and design process including the Veterans organizations, Farmers Market Board, Downtown Chillicothe Association, Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Economic Development, Ohio University Chillicothe, Chillicothe and Ross County Visitors Bureau, Ross County Commissioners, Chillicothe City Council, and many more! Stakeholder involvement is key to make sure the end product is what the users both need and want while also allowing for growth in years to come.

Design & Architecture

American Structurepoint is the contracted Design and Architecture Firm for the overall project. This team is in conversation with project stakeholders to create the best and most customized design possible. This team also provides project status updates to City Council and Administration regularly.