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Residents present bocce court proposal; council routes plan to park and property committees
Summary
A resident proposed a bocce court at the village park; council asked the park advisory committee and property committee to review siting, drainage, liability and maintenance before returning with recommendations.
Residents and a parent liaison asked the South Russell Village Council on April 14 to consider adding a bocce court to the village park; council directed the park advisory committee and property committee to study siting, drainage and maintenance.
Sarah Kesler, who said she lives off Alderwood, presented the idea and described growing demand and family use: "It's getting booked for parties ... it brings community together," Kesler said, adding that leagues and bookings are increasing at nearby courts. She described how other communities store equipment in a locked chest and that family play is frequent.
Council members and staff discussed logistics and constraints. The mayor outlined the normal review path: the park advisory committee (five citizens) first, followed by the property committee (two council members), then a council decision. The street commissioner and others highlighted drainage concerns near the proposed site and noted the park area can be "squishy" in places; water management would be part of the review. An Eagle Scout candidate had identified the bocce court as a possible project, the mayor said.
Council also discussed siting to keep the court away from areas heavy with dogs and to locate it close enough to the pavilion that parties could share space but far enough to avoid interference. Mary, a council member present during the discussion, confirmed the village has authority to place improvements on the three acres mowed around the playground and on an additional 10 acres on the East Washington side.
Council made no final decision; it instructed the park advisory committee to meet and report back, and then to pass any recommendation to the property committee. The mayor asked the proposer to provide contact information to the park committee and to meet with committee members on April 22 (park committee) and later the property committee as needed. The council emphasized that liability, insurance, cost and ongoing maintenance would be considered before any approval.
