The Village of Bellaire is pleased to share an update on the Bellaire Recreation and Entertainment Complex, also known as the R and EC. Although it has been more than a year since the grant award was announced, significant progress has been made behind the scenes to move the project forward in full compliance with all state and federal requirements.
In December 2024, the Village received notice that it had been awarded a 1.5 million dollar Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization, or AMBLER, grant. This federally funded grant is specifically designated for the reclamation and reuse of previously mined land. By law, AMBLER funds cannot be used for road paving, water line improvements, or water infrastructure repairs. Grant funding is restricted to the exact purposes approved in the application, and expenditures must strictly align with those requirements.
The Recreation and Entertainment Complex project and grant effort has been spearheaded by Councilwoman Janet Richardson, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the project from concept to implementation. The project was further developed through collaboration among Village Council members, residents, and regional partners who share a vision for healthy recreation, family-friendly entertainment, and economic vitality in Bellaire.
During the grant application phase, the Village worked closely with OMEGA, the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, a regional council of governments that provides planning and grant assistance to local communities. Their technical guidance helped strengthen the Village’s AMBLER application and contributed to a successful award.
The project includes a new entrance, an eight-court tournament-ready pickleball facility with four covered courts, a performance stage, a new concessions and restroom facility, new parking, and a natural walking trail designed to support future expansion.
Before construction funds can be released, the AMBLER program requires completion of a National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, study and design phase. In 2025, the Village solicited proposals for the required NEPA study and selected Tetra Tech from five qualified firms. NEPA studies typically take three to eight months and involve detailed analysis of potential environmental impacts such as soil conditions, wildlife, air quality, vegetation, water resources, and aquatic life.
Once completed, the NEPA study must be approved by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and the United States Department of the Interior. The study is currently under review by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, which has requested additional information including a floodplain permit and formatting updates. The Village is actively addressing these requests and anticipates resubmitting the updated study for continued review in late January 2026. Until final approval is granted, construction phase grant funds cannot be released.
While the NEPA review is ongoing, the Village has continued advancing other aspects of the project. Civil engineering drawings are complete, and a public bid opening for civil work was held on January 14, with twelve bids received. The Village is currently reviewing those bids. Final designs for the concessions building, restrooms, performance stage, and electrical needs are expected to be completed by mid February, after which additional bidding will occur. Specialty vendors and engineers are also finalizing plans for the pickleball courts and covered roof structure.
Coordination with AEP for security lighting and electrical service will be completed in partnership with the Village’s new Administrator.
Pending final NEPA approval, the Village anticipates breaking ground and beginning civil work in March. The goal is to complete the project in time to help celebrate the 250 year anniversary of our nation, with design elements reflecting Bellaire’s pride as the All American Town.
The Village recognizes community concerns regarding roads and water infrastructure and wishes to assure residents that additional grants are actively being pursued to address those needs. The Village remains committed to securing as much outside funding as possible to minimize the burden on local taxpayers while continuing to invest in Bellaire’s future.
The Village of Bellaire appreciates the public’s patience and continued support and will continue to provide updates as this project progresses.