The new Oak Harbor Plan will help community officials in areas such as recreation and community facilities. Mark Allen paddles the Portage River with his dog, Cairo on the Portage River Water Trail designated as the 17th official state water trail in Ohio in 2022. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Village of Oak Harbor officials and their Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee have started the process of developing the Oak Harbor Comprehensive Plan. Oak Harbor’s last comprehensive plan is several decades old and community officials want to develop a more comprehensive plan to help coordinate the many great things currently happening in the community.

The purpose of the Oak Harbor Comprehensive Plan is to create a shared vision for the community to preserve and build on its heritage while giving direction for desirable growth and development. The new Oak Harbor Plan will help community officials in areas such as neighborhoods, economic development, downtown and riverfront revitalization, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and community facilities.

Mayor Quinton Babcock said the planning process will help create a plan of action that coordinates what is going on in the community and orchestrates better ways for the Oak Harbor to be more resilient, resourceful and interconnected to its assets like the Portage River.

Beginning this week residents will be able to participate in a brief survey. A link to the survey can found on the home page of Oak Harbor’s website (www.oakharbor.oh.us) or by clicking: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PlanOakHarbor.

Reveille, a firm that specializes in comprehensive community development solutions, will assist a steering committee comprised of community representatives in developing the Oak Harbor Comprehensive Plan.

Printed copies of the survey can also be obtained at village hall and the library, but notes that completion of the online survey is preferred.

The survey asks residents, business owners and other community stakeholders questions relative to their community priorities, growth, revitalization and livelihood of the community.

In addition to the community survey, Benton Carrol Salem High School students will complete their own survey. The entire process will take roughly one year and the Oak Harbor Comprehensive Plan should be ready for adoption in February 2024.