Sunbury committee reviews parks master plan, J.R. Smith construction, tree-planting push and cemetery building concerns

The Sunbury Parks & Recreation Committee on April 1 worked through its parks master plan and monthly updates, receiving reports on construction at J.R. Smith Park, reservoir improvements, grant activity and a city‑owned cemetery building in disrepair.

Staff said construction at J.R. Smith Park has begun and that the project team is coordinating utilities with contractor 2K General; Services Manager Jake flagged a wet spot that staff will evaluate to avoid placing new infrastructure over a potential subsurface problem. Staff expects to provide a more detailed schedule next month as parts and materials are ordered.

Committee members heard an overview of recent reservoir work — a walking trail around the top edge, additional benches, trash cans and a floating dock installed in 2024 — and were told that the city added permanent parking adjacent to the service department and modified trail access to meet ADA standards. Staff noted ongoing maintenance and the June 6 Terry Hmel Memorial Fishing Derby, with trout stocking planned for the first Friday in May.

Staff also described park‑level projects across Sunbury: Freedom Park’s parking and field improvements from 2024; volunteer Eagle Scout projects that rebuilt trails and added a bridge; and invasive‑plant treatment and native replanting at Old Orchard Park. The city submitted a T‑Mobile Hometown grant application for Play Pockets at GRE the day before the meeting; staff said award notifications are expected at the end of May.

Tree‑planting was a recurring theme. Staff proposed separate Arbor Day activities (a possible city proclamation read by the mayor or city manager) and planting a ginkgo at East Cherry and Columbus Street; the Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District pledged 100 free seedlings for distribution. The committee discussed planting one or two large trees (a 5‑inch caliper sugar maple to replace a removed silver maple on the square) this fall, subject to nursery availability and professional planting assistance.

At Sunbury Memorial Park, members raised safety concerns about a city‑owned marble‑faced building whose roof had collapsed. Staff said a structural review had been completed in recent years and presented the option of removing the structure while salvaging marble elements for future use. No final decision was made; staff will explore options and report back.

Committee members also discussed mapping the city’s trail network and a pending council agenda item to fund GIS support that would allow the city to display trail connectivity and plan future links across older and newer sections of Sunbury.

The committee did not take final votes on capital projects during the meeting but asked staff to return with more detailed timelines, costs and recommendations where appropriate.