Coronado neighbors outline park wishes; board weighs phased build and seal-coating bids

Residents representing the Coronado Park neighborhood presented ideas for a new park on Coronado Street, requesting features that include posted hours, seating (picnic tables or benches), trash receptacles, a water fountain and preservation of existing cherry trees. Resident Sue Marrow said the neighborhood was "very appreciative of getting a new park" and offered the list of priorities to the trustees.

Trustee Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart and the playground committee discussed design parameters, saying playground equipment will be geared toward children 12 and under and that the committee generally recommended against lighting because parks close at dusk. Stewart estimated the project could be a multi-year effort and suggested a $100,000 starting-point budget as a jumping off point, with options to pursue grants and community installation to reduce costs.

The board also reviewed three bids for seal coating in park areas (one high, two similar). Liberty Illinois and Freesen were named bidders; one tree-removal bid from T&K was noted at roughly $3,000 but the board said a formal bid is required before action. Trustees discussed whether to prioritize Godfrey or Dewey Park work first and suggested adding a parking-lot resurfacing action to a future meeting agenda.