Pataskala committee discusses opening gate, gravel lot and safety measures at Foundation Park

Pataskala City Buildings and Grounds Committee members discussed a proposal to expand gravel parking at Foundation Park and open one of two existing park gates to improve traffic flow and drop-off safety.

A Parks staff member said, “We do have some money set aside from the budget. We expect some more money from Lincoln County Parks District R, by the end of the year. It'll all go towards this gravel parking expansion concept.” The staff member described opening the gate at McIntosh near the tractor-pull area while keeping the middle gate by the basketball court closed, and using a short gravel apron off the road to allow vehicles to enter and leave more easily.

The staff member said the design team would consider a large crosswalk with solar-powered flashing lights and a pair of speed humps to slow traffic. “Of course, I wanna work with whatever engineer we go with,” the staff member added, saying an engineer’s input would guide final safety features.

Committee members asked about drivers bypassing gates. The staff member said the city could extend split-rail fencing around the southern and southeastern edge of the new parking area to create a funnel that would discourage people from driving around barriers. The staff member also noted that parks employees open gates for specific events and contractors and cited recent uses including fireworks and an Easter event.

The committee did not take formal action. Staff said the project is on hold pending confirmation of the expected county parks-district funding and that the city will seek an engineer to design the lot once funding is known.