If all goes as planned, Liberty Park just won’t be the home of a brand new splash pad, but will also be getting some new playground equipment. That improvement could happen before the end of the year.
Parks Executive Director Andrew Dwyer told the board last week that an investigation had been underway about a potential grant from GameTime that would provide half of the funds for new play system.
The district had set aside $100,000-$125,000 dollars for the playground at Liberty Park and with the funds from the grant, the total cost for the set could come in under budget.
Dwyer said he looked at a multitude of companies that could potentially provide the equipment before settling on GameTime. The planned structure has three main components that will work for smaller children to use but with ropes and other features that will provide older children with a workout as well.
The particular system is longer than most playground set ups and because of its structure, should prevent some of the potential for vandalism that the park district has experienced in the past.
GameTime will provide around $60,000 in matching funds, bringing the total cost, including installation down to around $117,000. The plan is for the park district staff to remove and haul away the old equipment and for GameTime to bring in a vendor to install the new set.
“This is by far and way the best option for us and it really gives us the most bang for our buck,” in a park where the playground is really in the worst condition, Dwyer said.
Dwyer said the new playground equipment was a goal for him.
“Being able to provide these improvements is really huge for me,” adding that he has small children who love to play at the park.
Also discussed at the board meeting:
-Dwyer reported that the district had invested in two short-term CDs at $75,000 each, with a return of 5.05%. The board discussed the benefits of the short term investment at the July board meeting. Dwyer said he believes these short term investments should become a regular thing.
-Dwyer reported that the solar array has been delivered to the park district and should be put up before the end of the year. The price was lower, he said, because it was locked in before an increase.
-The 19th Hole restaurant will remain open throughout the year, Dwyer said. The hours will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday for breakfast and lunch and open on Tuesdays for tacos. “We’re going to make that effort,” he said. “The staff is also exited about potentially offering holiday parties.” Three core staff members will be kept on the payroll, and other staff will be brought in as necessary.
-A gift to the park district from Martin Engineering will allow the park district to install two new drinking fountains at Northeast and Windmont parks. The drinking fountains will have a doggy dish dispenser, a water bottle filler and a drinking fountain. Both of the fountains will be identical and orange to match Martin Engineering’s logo.
