The group will “map a strategic vision for the fairgrounds over the next decade,” the statement said. They will do this through “stakeholder interviews, two community focus groups and a community-wide survey.”
“The fairgrounds is the most important gathering place in this county, and we want to ensure its ongoing vitality with sound planning and collaboration,” Board of Clark County Commissioners President Melanie Flax Wilt said. “This process will involve the various stakeholders and community members through intentional listening. The results will create a foundation from which we can invest in our fairgrounds to ensure it remains a special place for future generations of Clark Countians.”
The community members on the task force include:
- Angi Kaverman: She is a graduate of the Ohio State University and a Clark County resident. Kaverman has served as the director of the Dairy Department at the Ohio State Fair for the last 10 years. She has also served as the chairman of the Spring Dairy Expo.
- John Maurer: He is a Clark County resident, former Clark County Commissioner and president of Esterline & Sons Manufacturing. He has served on the Clark County Fair Board for more than 20 years, during which time the Champions Center was built in 2004.
- Sasha Rittenhouse: She owns a cattle farm that consists of 200 broad cows. She also owns and operates a feedlot. Rittenhouse was a past president of the Ohio Cattleman’s Association and is an active member of Clark County 4H, FFA beef committee and the Clark County Cattle Producers. She is also an alumna of the Ohio State University.
Clark County Community Economic Development Director Ethan Harris and Flax Wilt will also serve on the task force. Clark County Administrator Jenny Hutchinson will serve in an administrative role.
The task force was formed after last week’s announcement that a 120-room Marriott hotel named SpringHill Suites will be coming to the fairgrounds.
The hotel development will be located at the site of the former Army National Guard armory with additional frontage along Ohio 41. The planned development will also extend farther north across the frontage of the fairgrounds.
The county purchased the armory site through the Clark County Land Reutilization Corporation, also known as the Land Bank, in 2019 for $125,000 with a loan from the county commission with plans to demolish and redevelop it.
In July 2020, the commission and Clark County Agricultural Society agreed to move forward with a roughly $3 million facelift for the fairgrounds over the next couple of years.
The agreed-upon renovations include upgraded gates with fencing and landscaping at the entrance and adjacent area north of I-70 on Ohio 41, a pedestrian drop-off location, a new fair office and space for the development of a hotel and restaurant on the former armory site.
The take force is expected to host its first meeting later this week, according to the county.
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