Freese Center

Planning has been underway since 2015 for a regional sports complex. The Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development has worked in conjunction with the Galion Mayor's Office to develop this project. The City of Galion transferred land near the US 30-State Route 598 interchange to the Galion Port Authority in 2019 to be used as the project location.

Freese center concept

What is it?

A facility for local and regional sport activity, as well as other events. This complex will improve the quality of life for families and businesses by generating tourism revenue and attracting new businesses and jobs to the area.

It will contain:

  • 3 basketball courts that can be converted to 6 volleyball courts
  • One turf field
  • Locker rooms
  • Kitchen and café area
  • Second floor mezzanine

Funding Sources

There are several sources proposed for this project. A key source is the Egbert M. Freese Foundation, a private entity that gives an annual endowment to the City of Galion for parks and recreation projects. The Crawford Partnership was awarded a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture for design and engineering. The State Capital Bill earmarked $500,000 for construction. Additional funds from private donors are currently being sought.

NO TAX LEVIES ARE BEING PROPOSED FOR THIS PROJECT.

City Council called two Committee of the Whole meetings to discuss the project. Click the title to watch.

Committee of the Whole Meeting - March 16, 2021

Committee of the Whole Meeting - March 17, 2021