The transformative project at the Scott Park campus of Toledo Public Schools is officially underway, following a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony on April 4.
District leaders were joined by community and business leaders to break ground on what will eventually be a $100 million renovation and redevelopment project of land once owned by the University of Toledo. The project was made possible in part thanks to the support of Toledo voters who approved a five-year, 3.8-mill levy in November's general election.
This innovative project will create an inclusive community hub, bringing together students, senior citizens, educators, police officers, and more.
"The Scott Park project will be a beacon showcasing what Toledo is doing right,” Dr. Romules Durant, TPS CEO/Superintendent, said at the groundbreaking, listing all of the educational opportunities and services that will be offered in the same place. “People will notice that Toledo is innovative and doing things differently."
The first phase of the project will focus on renovating the four buildings at the east end of the campus for high school students. Toledo Public Schools will utilize half of the $99 million in improvement bonds approved by voters to fund the Scott Park redevelopment.
In the fall of 2026, two academies will open their doors on the new TPS campus: the Construction and Architectural Design Academy (complete with an outdoor construction lab), as well as the Educator and Social Services Academy (for students in grades 10 through 12) in order to increase and prepare the number of students who will be pursuing careers in Education and Social Services. The educator academy has been made possible in part through the generosity of Thomas and Elizabeth Brady. Other plans include:
- Recreational Amenities: A stocked fishing pond, where students from the Natural Science Technology Center will soon release fish they have raised
- The Dome: A multi-purpose facility with a football field, baseball diamonds, basketball, and pickleball courts
- Planned Housing: Including villas for senior citizens along Parkside Boulevard and a mix of affordable single-family homes, apartments, condos, and villas
- Support Services: A day-care center, dining services, and a community health clinic to support students and residents
An emphasis for TPS administrators is to engage local businesses in this project. Rudolph Libbe Inc. is the construction manager, and the bidding process for work to be done on the campus will include small and minority-owned businesses. There will also be mandatory internships for students in fields such as construction and finance to provide real-world experience.
Board of Education President Bob Vasquez expressed enthusiasm for the project. "This is a vision and a different idea. It takes courage to implement it. The voters made this possible and we continue to need their faith in us. Toledo is a great place, and TPS is a part of it."