Countryside Park Master Plan

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Countryside Park Master Plan

The playgrounds and A-frame shelter are OPEN. Pedestrian access is currently maintained, and visitors should plan to park in the front lots.

 

Washington Township was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in 2021 to replace deteriorating structures at Bass Lake. The grant became a catalyst to create a Countryside Park Master Plan in cooperation with Environmental Design Group. The plan was approved by Township Trustees in 2023 and provides a cohesive and comprehensive design for the 21.2-acre park, located behind the Washington Township RecPlex on Miamisburg-Centerville Road. Click on the topics below to learn more.

Background & Overview
Washington Township was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in 2021 to replace deteriorating structures at Bass Lake. The grant became a catalyst to create a Countryside Park Master Plan in cooperation with Environmental Design Group. The plan was approved by Township Trustees in 2023.

The Countryside Park Master Plan provides a cohesive and comprehensive design for the 21.2-acre park, located behind the Washington Township RecPlex on Miamisburg-Centerville Road. It revitalizes the parkland entrusted to the Township by Tom Stolz in 1990, reenvisions its purpose and composition, and protects the natural resource for future generations.

The Master Plan design was justified by a Community Needs Assessment, conducted as part of the 2021 Strategic Plan, where the community identified expanded access to water-based activities as one of their top needs. The Master Plan will allow the RecPlex to meet those needs while also creating a healthy habitat for wildlife and a safe, accessible, natural environment for human interaction.

As of Dec. 31, 2024, grants totaling $3,576,742.65 have been awarded for the project, including a $1 million One-time Strategic Community Fund grant initiated by Ohio Representative Tom Young. To facilitate the success of future grant applications, the RecPlex and Centerville-Washington Park District co-funded development of a 9-Element Nonpoint Source Implementation Plan (NPS-IS) covering eight jurisdictions in the Holes Creek Watershed, where Countryside Park is located.

Each of the Master Plan improvements are designed to provide expanded opportunities for outdoor physical activity, improve access for people of all ages and abilities, create and conserve a healthy natural environment, and provide a safe gathering place for community engagement.

Implementation of the Master Plan occurs in several phases.
Turtle & Heron Ponds Projects

Turtle and Heron Ponds Revitalization and Mitigation 

The Washington Township RecPlex has been awarded two grants from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund totaling $1,339,289 for the Turtle and Heron Pond portion of the revitalization project in Countryside Park. The grants cover 75% of the cost to address the declining water quality and aquatic life in both ponds, as well as the expressed interest by residents for more water-based recreational activities and facilities. The Noon Optimist Club committed $20,000 toward the installation of a fishing pier/boardwalk on Turtle Pond.

The velocity of uncontrolled water runoff from annual storms over the years led to extensive siltation of Turtle Pond and substantial erosion along the channel connecting Turtle and Heron ponds. The plan restores the ponds, limits future siltation and erosion, and increases accessibility and recreational use of the ponds by people of all ages and abilities. 

Phase I: Pond Revitalization

Phase one began with the revitalization of Turtle and Heron Ponds. Improvements included dredging, siltation prevention, bank stabilization, wetland restoration, and bridge replacement. 

6/18/2024 Progress Report:

  • Dredged 7,000 cubic yards of siltation from both ponds

  • Trucked in and strategically placed 2,000 cubic yards of stone to stabilize the banks

  • Created one half-acre of natural wetlands

  • Constructed 7 fishing access platforms

  • Installed a barrier berm along the east side of the park boundary

  • Created a natural forebay to reduce future pond siltation

  • Controlled impact on aquatic life and reduced invasive species of water plants and fish

12/31/2024 Progress Report: 

  • Installed a new pedestrian bridge over Heron Pond.

  • Ponds are naturally refilling and reestablishing ecosystems

  • Landscaping and installation of fishing pier/boardwalk to be completed in 2025

4/16/2025 Progress Report: 

  • This phase will be completed later in 2025 with the installation of a boardwalk/fishing pier that will extend out into the Turtle Pond.

Bass Lake Project

After 30+ years of active use, the structures surrounding Bass Lake deteriorated and water needed attention. A Land and Water Conservation Fund grant of $126,522.27 provided 50% of the cost of amenity replacement and pond aeration; the Centerville-Washington Foundation awarded a $10,000 Community Impact grant for the project; and the Montgomery County Solid Waste Management District awarded grants totaling $43,305 to purchase furniture, trash receptacles, and benches for the shelter and surrounding area. The project ensures and expands the safety, access and comfort of patrons and protects the lake.

12/31/2024 Progress Report: 

  • Installed accessible dock/kayak launch in time for summer camp start date in June 2024

  • Put a multi-colored, lighted fountain and aerators in lake for aesthetics and functionality

  • Built accessible lakeside shelter

  • Landscaping and furniture installation to be completed in 2025

Paragon Road Entrance Project

A third grant of $1,035,126 from the Clean Ohio Conservation allows for the purchase and demolition of property on Paragon Road to create a northeast entrance to the park. The Levin Foundation ($2,500) and Yukta Garg Foundation ($10,000) directed grant funding for the project. The project creates a pedestrian and vehicle entrance to Countryside Park surrounded by natural green space. The entrance provides secondary access to the park and serves as a connector to the growing bike corridor along Paragon Road. 

12/31/2024 Progress Report: 

  • Purchased property at 7865 Paragon Road on 12.4.24

4/16/2025 Progress Report:

  • Demolition of the existing office building to be completed in spring 2025

  • Construction on this entrance to Countryside Park is tentatively scheduled to begin late fall 2025

Gateway Plaza & Paragon Road Connection

Work is now underway for the development of Phase II of the planned improvements.

The first portion of construction will focus on the creation of a community gathering point between our east and west buildings. This plaza will serve to connect the recreation campus through covered sidewalks and new outdoor programming spaces while providing a centered gateway leading into Countryside Park.

Key amenities for this area include an interactive spray fountain, outdoor performance area, public restrooms, and shaded picnic areas.

This phase also sees substantial repairs being made to protect and preserve the park’s original A-Frame shelter located beside Turtle Pond. Plans will address drainage and accessibility, and planned repairs include replacement of the skylights and roof, new seating areas, and restoration of its signature limestone chimney.

Work on this first stage is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

In the second stage of Phase II, work will begin on a Paragon Road entrance to Countryside Park, made possible by the Township’s purchase of a one-acre property on the park’s east boundary with Clean Ohio funding.

Both vehicular and pedestrian access will be added at this location and continue through the park, connecting with the new gateway plaza, effectively creating a green corridor through the park from Paragon to McEwen Road. Additional improvements include a new park maintenance facility and enhanced parking and trail connectivity. Work on this phase of the project should be completed in 2026.

Future Phases

Plans include the construction of a four-season shelter to provide additional indoor programming space for day camps, fitness classes, and enrichment programs, while also serving as a community meeting and event rental space. Improvements to parking, sports fields, and the construction of an additional picnic shelter are also being considered.

Additional Information

View all the documents related to the Countryside Park project including schematics, request for proposals, and more. 

 Phase I & II Projects

Phase I includes the design and engineering services for the new Hillside Shelter. Phase II includes the design and engineering services for the gateway plaza, loop road, and parking.

Turtle & Heron Pond Projects

Turtle & Heron Ponds have both been identified as needing significant revitalization and improvements including dredging and restoration. An environmental impact study has been conducted and a long-range plan established to ensure the success of both of these ponds.

NPS-IS Plan

The Holes Creek Nonpoint Source Implementation Strategy plan received state endorsement from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (NPS-IS) meaning that additional state and federal funding is now available for projects related to revitalization of the Holes Creek watershed.  

Washington Township RecPlex Strategic Plan

 In September 2019, the Recreation Department worked with a consultant (BerryDunn) to help provide strategic direction for the following three to five years. 

Image of Turtle Pond during construction