Milford highlights parks upgrades: $400,000 grant for Five Points and $300,000 mini‑pitch donation

Milford officials used the State of the City presentation to detail recent and planned parks investments, including a state grant for Five Points and a donated mini‑pitch.

City Manager Benjamin Gundersen said the city previously secured a $400,000 state grant for Five Points park improvements and that roughly $120,000 of that amount paid for automated irrigation to reduce staff watering needs. He said work at Five Points will continue and that the city is still addressing funds needed for a planned splash pad.

Gundersen credited the FC Cincinnati Foundation with donating a $300,000 mini‑pitch that was recently installed and for which staff are planning a ribbon‑cutting event; he said graphics were just installed and that the city is coordinating a Bailey march and other activities for the opening.

Officials described parks and pocket parks as a central strategy to keep people circulating in downtown and to build an ecosystem where visitors patronize multiple local businesses. Gundersen said park enhancements are part of the city’s broader plan to reinvest in amenities that preserve Milford’s character while supporting growth.

No decisions or votes were taken on park spending during the presentation; staff described past grant awards and a donor contribution and said additional funding steps and event dates will be announced through city channels.