Morgan Township approves community-build timeline and park rules as playground installation nears

Morgan Township trustees and the park committee confirmed a community build and several operational plans for the new Morgan Township Community Park at their March meeting, including installation timing, donor contributions and rules for park use.

The committee said the playground equipment will be delivered by the vendor when the township signals it is ready. The township will host a community build on May 29, May 30 and June 1, with contractor Tony Shadwick of Ventura agreeing to lead installation and asking for roughly 10 volunteers per day, the committee reported. The township will pay for the concrete curbing and concrete needed for equipment installation; committee members said they are still pricing that work.

The park committee told trustees the vendor committed to install the playground perimeter fence and turf. SRM Concrete agreed to donate 10 cubic yards of concrete; the committee also estimated the columns for shade features will require about 13 cubic yards of concrete and roughly 200 bags of Sakrete for smaller equipment footings. A tree-planting proposal was presented at $18,140 to add shade trees around the park and benches.

The committee proposed pavilion rental rates after a comparison with nearby facilities: $50 per weekday and $75 per weekend day. Committee members agreed the pavilion schedule could be managed in-house; trustees discussed possible staff support for taking reservation calls during weekdays.

Park rules drafted by the committee include limiting the play area to foot traffic only (no roller blades, bicycles or scooters), leashing dogs and requiring owners to pick up after pets, and banning helium balloons to protect wildlife. The committee also noted the cost of an ADA porta‑let will increase from $125 to $183 per month; they said the unit will be provided if the township promotes the playground as fully accessible.

Committee leaders reported the pavilion is mostly complete but still needs grading, downspouts hooked up, electrical outlets installed and staining of beams and posts (planned for June once the wood dries). Picnic tables have arrived and will be assembled and placed on the concrete slab.

The committee said prairie seed has been ordered and is planned to be sown on May 15; Chris and Mark will prepare the ground. The committee is pursuing three grant applications (Metro Parks, Ross Community Foundation and SRM Concrete) and had a donation for the pavilion slab that committee members said they will apply to the park budget.

Why it matters: the project combines donated materials and township expense. Trustees must budget for the concrete and other installation costs and set operations policies for a facility intended for regular public use.

Committee discussion and trustee remarks focused on logistics, fundraising and volunteer coordination rather than final contract awards or binding budget changes. Trustees asked the committee to return with firmer cost estimates in two weeks so fiscal staff can consider a supplemental budget if needed.

Quotes in context: "They will be dropping off the playground equipment when I say that we're ready for it," the committee chair said regarding vendor delivery and installation timing. On volunteer needs, the chair added that Shadwick "needs 10 volunteers" per day for the community build.

The township does not yet have a final total for concrete and curbing. Committee members said they are seeking contractor estimates and donor commitments and will report back to trustees at a future meeting.

The trustees and committee also discussed longer-term park elements such as a veterans memorial area; that idea will be returned to the planning agenda for later review.

Ending note: The park committee and trustees emphasized the need for more precise cost estimates before the trustees commit township funds; they expect to revisit budget questions at the next meeting.