SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

Plans for a new playground in Indian Park, which could cost around $200,000, were discussed at the Montoursville Borough Council meeting.

According to Misty Emick, council member, an estimate from George Ely Associates, which specializes in playground equipment, came in at about $200,000. The estimate does not include things such as engineering fees or mulch.

The new playground would feature five pieces of equipment, including two jungle gyms designed for specific age groups.

“It’s more like a woodlands theme. Green and brown, and it should match with the overall aesthetic of the park,” Emick said.

Christopher Lucas, council member, said in his report from the recreation board that the committee had worked at lowering the cost of the playground project, which is in its early stages.

Lucas said that the first step the borough should take is to have some preliminary engineering work done in order to apply for a grant to offset the cost.

“The rec committee has done some work to get some co-sponsors for the project and help with funding, but they’re going to need some preliminary engineering done,” he said.

A capital campaign is also planned for part of the funding needed. He noted that because the park is used by people outside the Montoursville community, plans are to ask businesses outside the borough for donations. The scope of the playground would be determined by the amount of funding obtained.

The new playground is part of the park master plan which also includes work on the basketball and tennis courts.

Lucas also reported that the recreation committee will be conducting a pumpkin decorating competition for children in the borough this month.

In other business, council approved a change order for $30,300 from Appellation Construction Services LLC for the Montoursville Waterworks Project.

According to council’s agenda, trick-or-treating for Halloween is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Council members present were: Eric Greenway, Mark Tillson, Sheridan “Ted” Haines III, Robert Brown, Lucas and Emick.

The next council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 8, at the Borough Building, 617 North Loyalsock Ave.