Short North Neighborhood Foundation Awards $500 Grant to Italian Village Society

Short North Neighborhood Foundation Awards $500 Grant to Italian Village Society

The Short North Neighborhood Foundation is pleased to announce it has awarded a $500 grant to the Italian Village Society to fund the purchase and installation of four bicycle racks in Italian Village Park. This marks the first grant issued from the foundation’s original endowment established in 2001 by longtime area residents Jack and Zoe Johnstone.

Italian Village Park has grown significantly since its construction in the 1970’s and will undergo a renovation this summer to better accommodate its residents. All current park elements will be demolished and new park elements will be installed. The galvanized bicycle racks were designed by Tim Wagner, director of the Short North Special Improvement District, and will be produced locally by Fortin Ironworks. The racks are identical to the nearly 60 others that will be installed along High Street (by the SID) and in Goodale Park (by an ad-hoc committee representing the Friends of Goodale Park, Comfest, and the Victorian Village Society).

The Italian Village Society’s Park Renovation Committee surveyed several residents, who said that bike racks were a necessity for the park. Because the racks are galvanized, they’ll require minimal maintenance. The Park Renovation Committee has allocated funds for the upkeep of the park and all of its elements.

“Italian Village Park has enormous potential to become a focal point for Italian Village residents and the neighborhood as a whole,” said Stephen Weed, president of the Short North Neighborhood Foundation. “The board is truly thrilled to support the redevelopment of this wonderful park.”

The Short North Neighborhood Foundation serves to advance the creative spirit, diversity, and vitality of the Short North Neighborhoods and Arts District. Through its partnerships with The Friends of Goodale Park, The Harrison West Society, The Italian Village Commission, The Utalian Village Society, The Short North Business Association, The Short North Special Improvement District, The Victorian Village Commission, and The Victorian Village Society, it reflects a collective vision of the entire Short North region. Since its inception in 2000, the SNNF has contributed to projects including the Short North Parking Initiative, the Short North Pocket Parks Campaign, the Short North District Roundtables, and the Short North Neighborhood Safety Watch Committee.