City celebrates Lock 9 completion with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, invites community to first concert

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PIQUA – The City of Piqua celebrated the substantial completion of the Lock 9 Park redevelopment at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

Piqua Mayor Kris Lee welcomed more than 200 attendees to the park for the first time. He also welcomed Ohio Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) and Ronald C. Todd II, chief of social impact and opportunity for the Ohio Department of Development, who attended to celebrate the impact of the riverfront development for the region and the state.

“Today we stand on the threshold of a new chapter for Piqua, Ohio, as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Lock 9 Park,” Todd said. “This park represents more than a space for recreation and relaxation. It symbolizes the spirit of community, resilience, grit and progress. Lock 9 Park is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision.”

Lock 9 Park is a 2.5-acre space on the banks of the Great Miami River and at the intersection of the Great Maimi River Trail and Ohio-to-Indiana Trail. The park now includes the Performance Pavilion for entertainment opportunities, water feature with fountains, green space for leisure activities and convenient access to Piqua’s downtown district.

Piqua City Manager Paul Oberdorfer, David Gamble of Gamble Associates and MaryLynn Lodor of Miami Conservancy District spoke on the historical, social and economic impacts of the renovated park.

“Great cities have great parks,” Gamble said. “The implementation of this civic infrastructure demonstrates evidence against the frequent lament that municipal planning is reactive and reactionary. On the contrary; this was City-led.”

The design of the park included uncovering the existing lock walls that were previously buried, as well as improvements to the flood barriers in case of high-water events.

“The Miami Conservancy District’s levee and dam system has protected Piqua for over 102 years, but the levee has blocked the views of the river and the access to it,” Lodor said. “Working with the Miami Conservancy District, the Piqua design team conceived this plan to lay back the levee and allow us to see more of the breathtaking views of the Great Maimi River.”

The Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors conducted the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony along with the partners who collaborated to make the project a reality.

“Let us cut this ribbon with pride today, recognizing that Lock 9 Park represents more than just physical structures. It is a link across time, a catalyst for progress, and a canvas for our collective ambitions,” Oberdorfer said. “May it stand as a guiding light, leading us forward into a vibrant future.”

The park will be open for the first concert event from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at the park, 125 E. Water St., Piqua. The free, family-friendly event features three bands performing at the Performance Pavilion and a short ceremony recognizing donors and partners.

Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or a chair to enjoy the music with friends and family in Piqua’s new riverfront amenity. The event is offered free of charge to attendees and is sponsored by Koverman Staley Dickerson Insurance.

The bands performing will share well-known covers from the 70s to the 90s in a variety of genres. The Gamut will perform from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Ladi T of Cinci will take the stage from 7 to 8 p.m., and Catalina Wine Mixer will headline the event from 8:30 to 10 p.m.

The short breaks between bands allow for the purchase of food and beverages from local establishments. The park is located within the DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), so alcoholic drinks in a DORA cup from a participating establishment may be consumed in the park. Non-alcoholic drinks brought into the park are also permitted.

The recording of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony can be viewed at the City’s YouTube channel. To learn more about the Lock 9 Park project, visit piquaoh.gov/lock9.