Miller Ecological Park has grown from humble beginnings into one of Lebanon’s most visited parks. The popularity of this park has grown immensely, especially in a time where individuals and families are looking for places to connect outdoors. Boy Scout and Girl Scout Clubs, youth organizations, running groups, the Lebanon Garden Club, yoga studios and many others routinely use Miller Ecological Park. Due to this increased use, the lone port-o-let is no longer adequately serving the needs of park users.
The Miller Park Steering Committee and Trustees, along with the City’s Park Board, agreed it was time to explore options for building a permanent restroom facility in Miller Ecological Park. It was discussed and both groups agreed that along with restrooms, incorporating a picnic shelter and storage for volunteer activities into one structure would be beneficial. The idea of the Miller Ecological Park “Welcome Center” was ready to move forward.
After a couple of unfunded grant applications, the Miller Park Trustees and the City began working with the Warren County Foundation to identify grants and private donors interested in supporting this project. Amazingly, a local business owner made a $50,000 donation commitment if it could be matched with another $50,000 in private donations from the community. By the end of 2021, the fundraising goal was surpassed with a total commitment of $120,000 in private donations to support the project. The City agreed to use a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act COVID-relief funds to support the remaining portion of the project. The images that you see of the proposed Welcome Center should move into construction in mid-2022.
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Miller Ecological Park has been the result of individual and community collaboration from the beginning. Almost three decades later, the spirit of community collaboration is still going strong. The Warren County Foundation supports a wide range of local organizations and civic efforts, and plays a vital role in our community. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit warrencountyfoundation.org.
If you are interested in donating towards the project or other projects at Miller Ecological Park, please contact the Warren County Foundation at 513-934-1001 or info@warrencountyfoundation.org.
For more information about Miller Ecological Park, please visit millerecopark.org.