Dayton, Ohio – The Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners is moving ahead with a major investment aimed at reshaping how residents access job support and training services. Officials have approved plans to purchase land at Forest Park in Harrison Township for the development of a new Job and Training Center, marking a significant shift in how the county plans to deliver essential services.
The project reflects a broader effort to modernize systems, reduce long-term costs, and bring services closer together in a way that better serves the public. Leaders say the decision was not made lightly, but rather after careful planning and evaluation of both current challenges and future needs.
“This project is all about our residents,” said Commission President Carolyn Rice. “The new Job and Training Center will allow us to improve service delivery, enhance technology and strengthen access to resources from Job and Family Services and Workforce Development programs.”
For years, the county has relied on leased space to operate its Job Center. While functional, that approach has come at a growing cost. According to County Administrator Michael Colbert, the county is expected to spend around $40.1 million between 2016 and 2026 on rent and renovations tied to its current location, which is leased from St. Vincent de Paul.
Colbert emphasized that purchasing property instead of continuing to rent is a long-term investment that offers stability and value.
“Owning a public asset ensures long-term stability, predictable costs and lasting value for our community,” said Colbert. “We carefully evaluated all options to address the county’s long-term facility needs and concluded that purchasing a building, rather than continuing to rent, is the most strategic approach. This project will move forward without using Human Services Levy funds, and no new levies will be placed on the ballot.”
A Historic Site Set for New Purpose
The selected location at Forest Park carries deep historical roots in the community, adding another layer of meaning to the project. The site, which dates back to 1928, once served as a zoo featuring animals from an African safari expedition led by Fred Patterson. Though the zoo closed in 1935, the area continued to evolve over the decades.
In later years, Forest Park became home to an amusement destination known as Frankie’s Forest Park, complete with attractions such as a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and the Comet roller coaster. The space also hosted regional auto races, becoming a lively center of activity.
By the 1950s, the amusement park era came to an end, and the land was transformed into Forest Park Plaza, a shopping complex that remained active until it was eventually demolished in 2013. Since then, residents have often wondered what the future would hold for the site.
Now, county and township leaders believe the new Job and Training Center will breathe new life into the historic location, turning it into a hub focused on opportunity and growth.
“Montgomery County has been a strong community partner, and we are excited to work together to bring new life to the Forest Park property,” said Shannon Meadows, Harrison Township Administrator. “The Job and Training Center is a natural fit for this North Main Street location and represents real progress on a site residents have asked about for many years.”
The site also offers practical advantages. Its proximity to major roadways and other county facilities, including Children Services and the Stillwater Center, creates a connected network of services. Officials say this setup will make it easier for residents to access help while also improving coordination between departments.
“This is more than a new facility, it will drive economic growth and workforce opportunity by connecting residents with jobs and training close to home,” said Danielle Bradley, Harrison Township Board of Trustees President. “This partnership strengthens our economic foundation, supports business development and ensures that opportunity is accessible right here in Harrison Township.”
The project is also seen as a step toward long-term growth. By investing in a permanent location, the county can expand services over time, improve efficiency, and adapt to changing workforce needs without the limitations of leased space.
With the agreement now approved, the county will move into a 90-day due diligence phase. This period will include detailed surveys, environmental checks, and soil testing to ensure the site is suitable for development. If all goes as planned, officials expect to finalize the purchase later this summer.
The move signals not just a change in location, but a deeper shift in how Montgomery County approaches public service—focusing on stability, accessibility, and future-ready solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents.
