Rossford Cuts Ribbon On Pocket Park, Financed Through LITE Funding

Since 2022, Local Investment in Transit Enhancements (LITE) funding has gone toward close to $3 million in area infrastructure projects to make commutes easier for TARTA customers, pedestrians and motorists alike.  

The most recent of those projects was celebrated at an August 26 press conference, with the debut of a pocket park at 153 N. Superior Street in Rossford. The area includes circular tables under umbrellas, lighting and a small fountain, providing the public with a seating or rest area near a TARTA stop in what used to be an empty lot. 

“Strong public transit is not just buses on a road, it is vital infrastructure that connects people to their communities,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “When those communities invest in things like sidewalks and enhanced bus stop and truly welcoming spaces like this wonderful pocket park, they demonstrate a powerful commitment to bettering the day-to-day lives of the people they serve. 

“I want to thank Mayor (Neil) MacKinnon, members of the Rossford City Council and the administration for seeing this project through to completion. We look forward to projects all around northwest Ohio that will be completed with LITE funding this year and beyond.”

Other speakers at Tuesday’s press conference included Mayor MacKinnon; Toledo City Council President Carrie Hartman; and TARTA Trustee Rev. Dr. W.L. Perryman.

Approved by Lucas County voters in 2021 as part of the sales tax that funds TARTA, LITE funding provides area communities with money toward projects designed to improve commutes. Funds are distributed on August 1 of each year. Planned projects for these funds from now until next August include:

• Toledo ($300,000): Renovations to sidewalks, shelters and bus stops
• Rossford ($90,000): Pocket park near TARTA stop, pedestrian improvements and traffic signal upgrades
• Sylvania ($90,000): Relocation of Flower Hospital main driveway to include traffic signal
• Maumee ($90,000): Pedestrian safety and bus stop improvements
• Waterville ($90,000): Creation of shared use paths along Anthony Wayne Trail
• Ottawa Hills ($90,000): Improvements to Talmadge, Minor and Indian roads
• Sylvania Township ($90,000): Improvements to Corey Road