The City of Williamsport is about to see improvements and investments in two of its parks, upgrades meant to create a better atmosphere for users and attract more users.

City Council’s vote sets in motion the use of funding that will upgrade Newberry Park and continue to improve Shaw Place Park, which already now has a splash pad, improved parking, pathways and courts that are being resurfaced.

In the Newberry Park end of things, council passed a resolution to approve a substantial amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Programs as presented by August “Skip” Memmi, city community and economic development department director.

“We’ve been talking about it many times over the last couple of months,” Memmi said.

This will be the final amendment needed for council to reallocate funds allocated to a splash pad with CDBG funds that can be used to do park improvements.

These additions may include, based on preliminary discussion, a multi-purpose soccer field, pickleball courts, parking and pathways that are accessible, a restroom facility and other ADA amenities as part of a park revitalization plan.

The amendment reallocates $480,000 in CDBG funding. The department will submit paperwork to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) then see that an environmental design plan is done as the next steps, Memmi said.

The park is nestled in the neighborhoods of Newberry on the city’s West End.

It is easily accessible via West Fourth and West Third streets.

During a previous administration the park was named after former Mayor Phil Preziosi, (1992-1996) who is a neighbor of the park and advocate for all things Newberry and Williamsport, having recently relinquished the chairmanship of the Redevelopment Authority.

Pump track design and construction firm approved

Using a $500,000 state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant and $250,000 from Lycoming County, a pump track design and build in Shaw Place Park took another leap forward after council approved an agreement with Pillar Design Studio/PumpTrax USA on the project.

Dr. Rob Cooley, a bicycling club member and advocate for the exercise and sport who teaches at Pennsylvania College of Technology, said this project holds a high potential to increase tourism and with the community ridership and neighborhood input it will be a destination in which to build skills for those riding BMX bikes and skateboards.

Councilwoman Bonnie Katz, chair of the public works committee, noted the reason for this firm being chosen was that it had 700 pump tracks done on its resume and its staff have a commitment to involving the public in design and long-term care.

Based on the schedule it appeared it would not be built until late next year, according to Katz, who added that the city was experiencing an uptick in bicycle use among younger bikers and adults.

Councilman Vince Pulizzi remarked how he liked the concept of a project of mixed use of material for the track and that it can be possible to design rain gardens in areas between the track exciting idea concept mixed use material.

The conceptual design encompasses 20,000 square feet. The city request for proposals resulted in four companies submitting proposals.

The company representative has promised to listen and receive input from bikers and skateboard enthusiasts along with the neighborhood residents as it plans a design.