BATH TWP.: The Summit County Astronomy Club has proposed building an observatory for public use on a hilltop near the Bath Community Garden in the Bath Nature Preserve.
Club co-organizer John Shulan made a presentation this week to trustees.
He outlined the proposal while explaining that the goal of the club is to inspire curiosity about the sciences and the arts through astronomy.
The nonprofit astronomy club proposes the construction of a “user-friendly observatory” within a 16-by-24-foot building that could accommodate up to five telescopes on adjustable piers.
The roof would roll back and the top portion of the south side of the building would fold down to make the skies more accessible for viewing, Shulan said. The facility would also be handicap accessible.
“This (Bath Nature Preserve) would be a great location for an observatory,” Shulan said, referencing the lack of ambient light distractions at the site.
He said there is no such facility in Northeast Ohio while interest in astronomy is increasing.
In the 18 months since the club was founded, more than 3,000 people have looked through its telescopes, Shulan said.
The project’s estimated cost of $50,000 includes $15,000 for building construction as well as the potential for up to five top-of-the-line telescopes, which Shulan said could be added one at a time as funding permits.
The astronomy club would raise the funds for the building and telescopes and be responsible for maintenance, the cost of security, electricity and training for operators. The building would be for “public use,” including schools, universities and similar organizations, not just limited to club activities, Shulan said.
“We would build and donate the building and telescopes to Bath Township,” Shulan said. “We would be caretakers of and maintain the building and only ask Bath [to pay] the insurance.”
Township officials estimate insurance would cost less than $1,000 annually.
Shulan explained the funds for the facility and equipment would be raised through grants, donations and the sale of naming rights to the facility.
He estimated the project would take up to three years to complete.
All building plans and an eventual location would be subject to the approval of the township.
At the conclusion of Shulan’s presentation, Trustee Elaina Goodrich asked to hear back from community residents about their thoughts on the proposal prior to any decision by trustees.