Parks & Rec updates: West Fifth playground bid set, pools on track and restroom project to start in May

At the May 7 work session, Councilwoman Rachel Bollings reported Parks & Recreation projects and programs for the summer season.

Plans for the West Fifth Street playground are posted online and will go out to bid on May 19; work includes replacing fencing along the rail line and adding shade structures over benches. Ballpark bid timing and grant‑matching status were discussed; Bollings said current estimates show the project slightly under budget and could cost little to the borough depending on final bids and grant matches.

White's Road pool plastering is expected to be finished within two weeks; slides and shade sails are delayed by supply-chain issues and are expected in early June, but both pools are expected to open on schedule for the season (the presenter corrected an earlier misspeaking about the opening date to Memorial Day). Bollings also said Parks & Rec will introduce programs including night swims, dive-in movies and other seasonal activities.

A restroom project at White's Road has a notice to proceed issued to the contractor with a 75‑day contract window; staff said the contractor expects to finish sooner, with mid‑June as an optimistic target and mid‑July the absolute latest.

The committee raised a new item for follow‑up: e‑bikes in parks, especially concerns about speed and trail safety for children; staff will research state classifications and enforcement options before recommending policy changes.

Bollings encouraged residents to attend Kids to Parks Day on May 17 and noted 1,755 memberships reported for borough recreation services.