Parks committee approves little library and memorial bench, tables playground proposal; applies for trail-paving grant and readies pool and restroom contracts

Parks and Recreation reported several project updates and grant applications at the Feb. 5 work session.

The committee moved to accept two elements from the Charlie the Cat memorial fundraisers — a memorial bench and a little library — with the condition the fundraiser maintain the little library. "We don't want this to go the wayside of, like, the Stony Creek little library is kind of disheveled," the committee said; fundraisers told the committee they would assign two people to maintain the little library and that the structure would be made of durable materials.

A proposed playground feature associated with the fundraiser was tabled because of concerns about maintenance and site fit; the committee asked the fundraiser and its engineer to return with revised plans. The committee discussed alternative uses of funds such as restoring existing park features (for example, repairing the Stony Creek statue) instead of adding a new play piece.

Parks members said they will submit a MANCO 2040 grant application — a trail-paving request with a maximum award of $250,000 and a 10% local match — for Memorial, Hicken, York and Susquehanna trail sections. The committee also recommended acceptance of RVE's proposal for engineering and design of the West Fifth Street playground and expects a recommendation to award the lowest responsible bidder for the Weitz Road pool renovation at the Feb. 19 business meeting in order to meet a Memorial Day construction timeline. Bid documents for the Whites Road Park restroom facility will also be presented to the solicitor and come before council on Feb. 19 for final review.