CORTLAND, Ohio - The city of Cortland announced plans for an outdoor education and civic center on West Main Street downtown. The facility is part of the city's Main Street Revitalization Initiative and will provide space for community events, public gatherings and educational programming.

The Cortland Outdoor Education and Civic Center will be a city-owned facility intended for multiple uses. It will support various community and city-sponsored events throughout the year.

Funding for the project comes from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund. The city of Cortland and the Cortland Community Foundation are partnering on the initiative.

Mayor Deidre Petrosky said the center represents a long-term investment in the city's downtown and its residents.

City officials recognized former Service Director Kim Blasco, Jeffrey Jiang, State Representative Nick Santucci, State Senator Sandra O'Brien and members of the Cortland Community Foundation Board for their contributions to the project.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this year. The city plans to release additional updates and engagement opportunities in the coming months.