Trending
An observation in design proposals of a pickleball court and soccer field at Mayor Phil Preziosi/ Newberry Park by a City Councilman led to discussion on the park and other park amenities and needs.
Councilman Jon Mackey looking at the conceptual design suggested the court and soccer field were close for safety concerns. Councilwoman Liz Miele further contributed to the future of parks' improvements.
Mackey's initial input led to a broader discussion on park design after Councilman Eric Beiter noted how the proposed grant was discussed by the Economic Revitalization Committee.
Mackey noted how he was at Brandon Park where there are two city-funded baseball fields and a separate field by Lycoming College, which has its own plan in place.
"I was just there today walking around and those baseball fields are amazing and when they start playing baseball there again next summer it's going to be really busy and we need to give the people who are there somewhere to go to the bathroom," Mackey said.
"I don't know what we'll have in mind for this park but I would think if it's going to work for this park it will work for Brandon and for Memorial," he said, adding that council should consider using additional money in the American Rescue Plan fund for comfort facilities.
Other amenities discussed for parks improvement included more lighting similar to what Short Park in Loyalsock Township provides for users.
"We're investing a ton of money into these parks, which is a great thing and we want people to be able to use them for as long as possible," he said.
He added whether that means staying for an extended period of time and having somewhere to use a restroom or going there when it might just be starting to get dark and there are lights, would be necessary.
He said he thought adding lights was a good way to deter criminal activity as well.
Councilwoman Liz Miele also observed besides lights and restrooms that a public access to water supply be considered in Newberry Park.
She also conferred with Mayor Derek Slaughter on comfort facilities and suggested the administration add a plan for maintaining them.
"I know that when I used to work at the community garden in Lose School Park little kids (came over) from the basketball courts just looking for a drink from the hose that we had there because there was no other water source in the park," Miele said.
Working on public water access may also be a foundation for a possible second splash pad in Newberry, city officials said.
Based on evidence of the improvements in this administration at several parks, Delta officials have been an integral part of the city achieving these DCED and other agency grants that are improving the quality of life throughout the city.
It is a part of the overall comprehensive city administration – with input by the council – plan to prudently use funds on parks and recreation and green spaces.