Parks committee fast-tracks Cricket Park pavilion; second annual Joanne Rentz art walk draws praise

The Seven Hills Parks and Recreation committee approved placing a Cricket Park pavilion construction item on the council’s emergency agenda and members praised the second annual Joanne Rentz art walk for expanding park use.

The pavilion project is intended to add a covered picnic pavilion southwest of the Cricket Park playground, providing seating and picnic space along the city’s pathway network. Director Berger described the proposal as “just a completion checking the box on our parks master plan” and said the pavilion will let people “sit there, have a picnic, kind of chill out, watch your kids while they’re playing.” Council members moved to place the pavilion project on the council agenda as an emergency; Elliot seconded the motion and the roll call recorded votes of Elliot yes and Mario yes. The committee approved sending the emergency measure to the full council for consideration that evening.

Committee members also reviewed the second annual Joanne Rentz art walk at North Park. Several council members and the parks director said the event exceeded first-year participation, citing more vendors, accessible paths and a family-friendly atmosphere. One council member noted the event had “something for everyone” and that vendors reported higher sales than the previous year. Committee members thanked Director Berger and staff for expanding the city’s cultural offerings and park amenities.

The committee’s action advances the pavilion proposal for final consideration by the full council; a construction contract or funding authorization will be considered at the council meeting where the emergency ordinance is taken up.