Bellevue received welcome news this month that could lead to a resolution regarding flooding issues at the newly renovated Gilligan Field sports complex.
With a total cost of $8.4 million, the renovation includes major upgrades to Gilligan Field and Stadium, featuring new turf, as well as enhancements to the Ben Flora Gymnasium.
Flooding after heavy rains from the nearby Taylor Creek has long plagued the property. The complex sits at Tiger Lane near Berry Avenue close to the creek.
At the Sept. 10 city council meeting, councilmember Mike Almoslechner shared news that experts from the state are looking into the issue, and a solution is on the horizon.
“One of the problems this year was flooding from the creek, and I decided to try to look into that and set up a couple of meetings,” said Almoslechner. “Back in early July, Governor Beshear came to town, and I wrote him a note before I went down to meet him, and asked him to read it on the way back to Frankfort.”
He said he didn’t hear back right away and, in fact, had not heard anything after several weeks. However, he then received an email from Dr. Brian Storz, the state coordinator for the Licking River basin.
Storz had looked into the matter and had some ideas on how to address the issue. A group of city and local officials met with him for a presentation that covered the issue in depth.
Almoslechner said the meeting included school and city officials as well as state Rep. Matthew Lehman, Newport Assistant Manager Brian Steffen, Andy Aman from SD1, and Matt Wooten from the Kenton County Conservancy.
“The bottom line was they believe there’s a remedy. We’re going to look into a technical study and keep our fingers crossed and see what happens,” Almoslechner said.
He then invited all to the opening ceremony and first game in the refurbished stadium last Friday, where the Bellevue Tigers won that game 21-7 over the St. Henry Crusaders.