Widening Walking Paths Is Top Priority

(posted June 16)

The cost of petroleum is already starting to pinch the Speedway Park Board's $1.9 million Meadowood Park and Leonard Park improvement plans before it starts. The board is hoping the proceeds from the June 19 bond sale will come by the first of July so they can start to finalize park improvement plans.

Board President Ray Lawrence already estimated they have lost about a third of the bond's purchasing power due to the 30% increase in cost of asphalt since last year. The board will also have to pay administrative costs from the bond proceeds that include reimbursement to the town for the 2007 park surveying work. The additional administrative costs were due to the 2007 property tax reassessment that delayed the project from being approved last year.

With the dollars dwindling, the board decided to tackle the most price sensitive project first. By early fall, construction should start for widening both parks' walking paths to eight feet The widening will start first at Leonard Park and then move to Meadowood. By late fall, shelter bathrooms renovations and baseball dugout improvements should start.

The board also discussed the possibility of starting playground demolition by winter so the new equipment could be installed by early spring. The board's other spring goal is to install a splash pad at Leonard Park.

Board member Tim Ramion noted the increasing cost of steel used to make playground equipment might push the splash pad down the priority list. Lawrence said splash pad and the skate park could always be funded later by capital improvements projects.

Park Superintendent Mike Smith raised the issue of moving the concession barn closer to the shelter's restrooms at Leonard Park. The move would also mean running water and electricity to the area. He also explained that other infrastructure improvements are needed to keep the park functional. He recommended that the existing four inch drain needs to be increased to six or eight inches to prevent flooding around the tennis court areas.

Tim Smith said he would contact the barn's owner, the Junior Baseball League, about the possible relocation.

Lawrence also indicated that St. Christopher and Wheeler Elementary need to be aware of the construction schedule since the students use the parks. Lawrence also said he would send out notices to the media to keep the public informed about the taxpayer funded project.

The board also approved a shelter rental policy that will eliminate all waivers in 2009 except for the Lions Club since they are a park benefactor. The board struggled at first to develop half day and full-day rental prices, but the idea was nixed because of the difficulty in enforcement. The board speculated the half-day rental policy would be easily abused. Renters would pay a half day, but would stay the whole day. The shelter rents range from $45 to $85 depending upon the size.

The board also approved of the proposed 2009 budget of $187,590. The budget increased by $6,390 from last year.