What's Happening In Marietta This Week

MARIETTA, OH — There is a lot going on around Marietta this week. Mayor Josh Schlicher sat down to chat with Patch about what's going on around town. As always, there is a lot going on behind the scenes.

Also, let me know if you think we missed anything. We'd love to include it in next week's edition. And if you have any events going on please be sure to post them on our community calendar right up there.

Live in Marietta? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow Marietta Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free Patch mobile app on Android or iPhone.

New business

• Mayor Schlicher is back from vacation in Florida sporting a glorious tan.
• The playground project on Washington Street is back on. It had been paused while they made sure any Native American artifacts or remains found would be handled properly. They have an archaeological team ready to help out if anything is found that needs to be handled sensitively. The city will start pouring concrete for the basketball court soon. They are on track to have the playground opened up again by the start of school.
• The city's initiative to help folks clear out junk was a success. There were over 400 cubic yards of waste removed from the city. Schlicher says they plan on holding another such event possibly in the fall.
• The city is suing engineers of the river trail project after a retaining wall collapsed, taking out a sewer line and the bike trail. Mayor Schlicher says the engineers used faulty data and should have known there was an issue. They hope to recoup hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
• The new traffic signal system is installed and in the next few weeks, the traffic in Marietta should be much smoother.
• The Boley Building will be demolished. Mayor Schlicher says the owners plan on putting a brand new building on the property after it's torn down.
• There will be a Music in the Park event this Thursday at 7 p.m. at Muskingum Park.

Ongoing projects

• Improvements to the city's wastewater plant.
• The city is continuing to work to identify blighted properties and rectify those for a safer and more beautiful Marietta. Anyone who notices an issue with a property near them can fill out and turn in a nuisance complaint form. More details on Marietta City's code enforcement here.
• The Washington School playground is closed for most of the summer. Schlicher says they're removing all of the playground equipment because it's almost all out of date. They will be putting in a brand new basketball court and bringing playground equipment over from Harmar Elementary.
• Folks are continuing to enjoy the DORA. People are drinking responsibly in downtown Marietta from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Various road and drainage projects.
• There is work ongoing on the city cemeteries and the city parks.
• The city is continuing to work on the planning and fundraising for the Start Westward Monument project.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Marietta Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of our latest sponsors? Email any and all inquiries to me at christopher.schmitt@patch.com