“Investing in unique recreational assets provides the amenities that bigger cities often lack,” Roush notes. One such asset is the Belpre NFL Flag Football league, which has grown into one of the largest programs in the nation. “When you have a league like Belpre’s, it becomes a major draw for families,” Schilling says.“People stay where their children are thriving and where they feel a sense of belonging.” To further this recreational push, the county is exploring the development of a state-of-the-art regional aquatic center.“An aquatic facility acts as a year-round anchor for physical wellness and social interaction,” Roush states. Quality amenities often convince a young professional to choose Marietta over a larger urban center. “We operate with a mindset that removes obstacles for the private sector,” Schilling remarks. Success depends on a unified, team-oriented approach to governance that prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins. “Our goal is to ensure that when people talk about Ohio thriving from corner to corner, they see Washington County as the model for regional growth,” Schilling adds. “We are building a community that is actively competing for the future.” partnership ensures our development efforts are designed to meet the future demands of the MidOhio Valley.” BEATING THE TREND THROUGH QUALITY OF LIFE Leadership in Washington County actively works to reverse state projections that forecast a population shift toward the “Three Cs”: Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. “We are determined to beat the trend and keep our residents here by focusing on superior quality of life,” Roush says. The regional strategy centers on making the county an irresistible destination for both families and retirees. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n PowerFlo Solutions www.powerfloltd.com 156 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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