project includes Metroparks taking ownership of and renovating International Park. Phase 1, opened in December, includes a glass pavilion that can be reserved for private events. It has rooftop plazas and patios looking out to hillside seating for 5,000 people for concerts and other special events. The park has a sledding hill, walking paths and riverside fi shing access. Glass City Metropark Only the Beginning Since it opened late last year, Glass City Metropark on the east bank of the Maumee River has been drawing visitors for the view of the Toledo skyline and access to the water for fi shing. But what you see today is only the beginning. Phase 2 of the park will be under construction in July, more than doubling the size of the newest Metropark and advancing a bigger vision of a greenway from the Veterans Glass City Skyway to the Anthony Wayne Bridge. Glass City Riverwalk will create 300 acres of greenspace along the east side and downtown banks of the Maumee River. The fi vemile greenway will connect six neighborhoods and transform the city’s riverfront, attracting private development and enhancing the quality of life in the region. The A bridge over Main Street, currently under construction, will connect the walking path at the new park with the existing bike path through International Park. The bike and pedestrian span will be completed by the end of October. Phase 2 of Glass City will include an ice skating ribbon, adventure play areas for children, a boardwalk extending over the water and a building that will house a restaurant and skate rental concession. A building at 815 Front Street will also be renovated as a community center. Phase 2 of the park will be open in early 2023, and Riverwalk will be approximately six years in development. The Metropark and Riverwalk are being funded in part by tax levy approved by Lucas County voters in November, private donations and grants. A nearly $24 million federal transportation grant, state grants and $12 million in corporate gifts have been received so far, with other major donations expected to be announced soon. Toledo Night Market Open Summer Saturdays This summer’s Toledo Night Market events, which will transform the Toledo Farmers’ Market into an evening of lights, shopping, food, drink, and live music, will be held from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 24, August 14 and September 11. Each Toledo Night Market is scheduled to feature more than 75 local vendors showcasing a wide variety of art, clothing, jewelry and other handmade items, as well as a limited amount of produce. Attendees can listen to live music, stroll the open-air market at twilight, eat food from numerous vendors and food trucks, and enjoy locally crafted beer while supporting area artists. Page 4 Rooftop from Pavillion “After an amazing inaugural 2019 night market season followed by the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the pandemic, we are very excited to bring back Toledo Night Market events in 2021,” stated Fancy Moreland, creator of Toledo Night Market and founder of It’s My Mommy’s Business Association, which sponsors the monthly markets. “We hope people are ready to get back out and have fun, while supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs.” Part of the proceeds from each Toledo Night Market benefi t a different local charity. Proceeds from the June 19 Toledo Night Market went to the Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission, a not-for-profi t organization that has been ministering to the needs of the lost, broken, homeless and low-income in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan for more than 60 years. General admission for the monthly Toledo Night Market is $5.00, and children 12 and under are free. The event will be held rain or shine, and there is free parking at and near the Toledo Farmers’ Market, located at 525 Market Street in downtown Toledo. For more details on the Toledo Night Market, go to www. toledonightmarket.com or fi nd the events on Facebook. For more information, e-mail info@toledonightmarket.com or call (419) 9309880. Cultivating Change
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