Pavilion permit approved; Memorial tree program and rain garden work planned at Community Park

Community Park, Morgan Township — Park staff reported progress on multiple park projects at the Feb. 24 trustee meeting, including an approved building permit for a pavilion, plans for a memorial tree program and imminent work on a rain-garden and prairie area.

Darren (park staff) said Butler County’s building department has issued the pavilion permit and crews hope to begin work by the end of the week. He said the first construction steps will be drilling piers for the columns, followed by delivery of materials and concrete work. Darren noted the pavilion’s roof, ceiling and soffit colors have been chosen and that the layout positions the pavilion adjacent to the corner of the firehouse, parallel to the building.

Darren also said a capital campaign letter is ready and will be mailed once a mail-merge is completed. He said the township will start a memorial-tree program soon and is coordinating with the local foundation to schedule a meeting. Assistant staff reported the park will begin a prairie-area and rain-garden planting in a predescribed area where trails join; staff plan to take drone photographs next week to document current site conditions for project records and public information.

Darren requested an executive session related to the playground; trustees did not record discussion about the playground in public session and Darren said he had communicated with a contractor, but asked that trustees consider an executive session on that topic.

No costs, contractor names, or firm start dates beyond “end of this week” were provided. Park staff said they will ask the contractor to run two conduits for wiring rather than one and will coordinate wiring details with a contractor (KISS) when ready.

Work on the pavilion and rain garden is scheduled to proceed once on-site preparation and deliveries are complete.