Medina City Council: Rec Center Renovations, Police Grants, and Farewell to Local Reporter

MEDINA, Ohio — The Medina City Council moved forward with several key community improvements during its May 11, 2026 meeting, including a major renovation for the local recreation center and the acquisition of safety equipment for the police department. The session began with a heartfelt farewell to Sara Crawford , a longtime reporter for The Gazette, who was attending her final meeting before transitioning to a new role. Council members and city administration praised Crawford for her factual reporting and her dedication to attending nearly every local event, from ribbon cuttings to marathon zoning board meetings. Medina Community Recreation Center Renovation The Medina Community Recreation Center is slated for a significant aesthetic and functional overhaul following the approval of Ordinance 78-26 . Council authorized a $225,000 purchase order to Medina City Schools for renovations to the facility’s main lobby, concourse, and front desk area. Jansen Wehrley , Director of Parks and Recreation, noted that the current ceramic tile and cabinetry are original to the building and have begun showing significant signs of wear. The project is designed to improve the customer experience and align the lobby’s aesthetics with more recently renovated areas of the building. The city will utilize the school district as a pass-through for the funds, with the goal of completing the work during the week of the Medina County Fair, specifically August 3 through August 9, 2026 . This timing aims to minimize disruption for regular members. Public Safety Grants and Equipment Public safety remained a top priority as council passed two resolutions regarding the Medina Police Department. Resolution 74-26 allows the city to apply for the Ohio Law Enforcement Body Armor Program Award to purchase seven replacement ballistic vests. Additionally, Resolution 75-26 authorizes an application for grant assistance from the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission (MCDAC). These funds are earmarked to support the salaries and benefits of School Resource Officers (SROs) who provide mentoring and security within Medina City Schools. City Engineer Patrick Patton also received approval for the 2026 concrete street repair program. The budget for this year’s program was increased by $50,000 to a total of $700,000 . Patton explained that the increase was necessary to combat the rising cost of concrete and ensure the city can continue to replace entire panels of deteriorating roadway at the same rate as previous years. Municipal Court Relocation Update Council President John M. Coyne III shared updates regarding the relocation of the Medina Municipal Court to the 1969 Courthouse facility. Following a pre-meeting walkthrough, Coyne reported that the project is nearly finished, with the building’s iconic pillars recently restored. The court is expected to open in its new location between early and mid-June 2026 . This move represents the culmination of decades of discussion regarding a joint court facility on the square. Community Notes Summer Kickoff: Splash pads at Greenwood Park and Ray Miller Park are scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. Economic Development: Economic Development Director Kimberly Marshall announced two new ribbon cuttings for May 15 at Rios Guitar Company and CC Hair Salon . Civic Engagement: Mayor James A. Shields thanked the council for volunteering at Cups Cafe , a nonprofit serving meals to residents at no cost. Special Events: Finance Director Keith Dirham and council noted the first Farmers Market of the season begins Saturday, May 16, on the square.