CRESTLINE—Good things are happening in this eastern Crawford County community. Lots of good things, according to a group of leaders who gathered last month to update residents in an hourlong Celebrate Crestline Night at the high school auditorium.
Plenty of community spirit was on display, spearheaded by a group of volunteers who believe in Crestline.
The Crestline Community Development Team has been active in transforming the village, from downtown development to repairs at its parks.
Mayor Linda Horning Pitt beams when she speaks about the village.
She outlined plans for a new sewer plant, which will aid in future developments for Crestline. “We are breaking ground in the fall on a new sewer treatment plant,” said village administrator Corey Spackey.
Horning Pitt also is proud of work being done on the village parks and swimming pool. A $350,000 grant has allowed the village to make needed repairs to the pool.
Miranda Jones, Executive Director of the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce, could barely contain her enthusiasm.
Despite challenges presented by a global pandemic, Jones said the Chamber has expanded its presence in Crestline.
“The last two years has been a labor of love for me,” Jones said.” We had 45 members here and have added two new ones for a total of 47.
“Being able to walk down the street, people pop out and say hi to me. Being able to stop in and feeling welcome here means a lot,” she said.
About 20 businesses received almost $100,000 in CARES Act money to help bounce back from Covid-19 losses.
Jones added, “This was huge, and it kept those doors open and provided that sense of security that those businesses needed.”
Business growth is evident, with a new Mexican restaurant, Mi Cerrito, opening in the spring of 2020.
Residents are also excited about the new Dollar General Marketplace that is slated to open any day.
A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) was established within downtown Crestline.
Perhaps there is no bigger cheerleader than Clayton Herold, who serves as the leader of the Crestline Community Development Team.
“We have worked hard to make Crestline better than it was a couple of years ago,” Herold said.
He and others are enthusiastic about news received last year that Amtrak will be coming. The village has been selected to be a stop on the proposed Amtrak passenger rail line that would connect Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati.
That means more people potentially stopping in Crestline to shop and eat.
Horning Pitt said local business leaders have wanted to see the return of passenger rail service in the village for several years.
Herold also detailed improvements in the Crestline Youth Sports programs.
Those include dirt infields, concession stand repairs, and other amenities.
“Baseball and softball home games can now be played,” he said. He is grateful to those who have donated their time and resources.
Kelly Park received a new wooden playscape installed along with a new sand volleyball court.
Since 2019 about $40,000 has been reinvested back into the community.
Future plans for the village include a kid’s movie night, pool parties, and veterans banners. The group needs funding to continue and will accept tax-deductible donations.
It takes a village to improve a village, and one need just look around to see the reality.
“Once you get a whole bunch of people working together, great things can happen,” Horning Pitt said.
Carolyn Helbert summed up the group’s thoughts.
“Everything you’re hearing … the Crestline comeback is real.”