Construction on the Willoughby Osborne Park project is finally underway after long-awaited permits. According to Mayor Robert Fiala, the first part of the project will include the removal of the former revetments, as well as provide slope stabilization along the shoreline. “Eventually, receding an d recreating a natural slope to the lake will follow,” he said. Additionally, near the lakeshore district, the city is planning for a roundabout to be located on Lost Nation Road as they have proven to be a safer way to slow traffic and reduce accidents, Fiala said. “Other additions to Osborne Park include a monument sign, which will be installed soon,” he said. “This sign will provide an identifying element for our lakeshore district and welcome our visitors to our great renovated park.” An electronic board reader will also be installed as part of the project, intended to provide information to residents and visitors. The bid for phase one of the project was awarded to Mark Haynes Construction in 2024. Last year, mobilization of equipment and boulder delivery for the initial revetment work commenced. The city has since been preparing for the start of the Osborne Park shoreline protection project, which is to include the slope stabilization, erosion control measures and improved access to the city’s lakefront. Funding for the Osborne Park project comes from grants and ARPA funds. A $2 million state grant that was secured through the efforts of state Sen. Jerry Cirino and support from state Rep. Daniel Troy marked the beginning of the project, aimed at preserving Willoughby’s shoreline. The $2 million grant represents two-thirds of the funding the city needs for the first phase of the project, Fiala said. “This will be a complete lakefront amenity,” he said. “When this is done, years in the future when all the phases are complete, what we’re going to have is the ability to get to the lakefront.” The project is to also include two small beaches where visitors will be able to wade into the water, as well as a series of sunset steps that are going to have large, grassy areas where people can picnic and watch the sunset to the west, Fiala said. Additionally, there will be amenities above the beaches. The project’s completion date will be sometime in 2027. ...read more read less