Fort opens new pavilion

FORT RECOVERY - Residents gathered under sunny skies Sunday afternoon to get their first look at the Cooper Brothers Community Pavilion.

"We were envious of other communities that had a facility like this," mayor Dave Kaup told the more than 50 people at the dedication. "What we've done here is raise the bar to a new level."

Former mayor Roger Broerman said he saw the need for the pavilion in Community Park and had discussed the project for many years.

He envisioned a pavilion that could host gatherings regardless of the weather. Construction of the roughly $275,000 project began last year. The three-season pavilion located at Community Park seats up to 114 people and features a kitchen, outdoor patio, restrooms and storage room.

Broerman in 2015 helped garner the initial funding from the Harvest Jubilee Committee and Fort Recovery Community Foundation, he said.

While planning for the village's 225th anniversary, the committee decided to donate toward the project, Broerman said. In August 2016, the 225th committee put its $75,683 profit into a fund for the project, and a committee was formed to continue raising funds and develop plans, Broerman said.

"This building just brings the whole park together," he said.

Many residents, business and organizations have donated to the project during community events and fundraisers, 225th committee co-chairwomen Michelle Dues and Jacque Leverette said.

"When we have community events, people come to support us, even if it's raining. That's what makes it so great to live in Fort Recovery," Dues said.

Such projects show what the community is capable of doing, Fort Recovery Community Foundation member Ted Romer stressed.

"The foundation's role is minor compared to what everyone has done, and we're honored to play it," he said. "It takes a combined effort."

Jim and Gary Cooper have supported village projects every time they were asked to do so, village administrator Randy Diller said.

"Their generosity is how they do business and they give back to community," he added.

Gary Cooper said Cooper Farms has been in the village for 45-50 years, and the company's support was a way to give back to the community.

"We've always supported community projects, and the community has been very supportive of our business," he added.

The village has needed such a facility for a long time, park board president Bill Bechtol said.

"It's another project the community has accomplished," he added.

People can rent the pavilion for many uses, including graduation parties, bridal and baby showers and other community get-togethers, Diller said.