The city originally owned the property, formerly known as Kistler Park, until 2000 when the deed was transferred to the Keystone Central School District who utilized it as a playground for Dickey Elementary School students.

With the closure of Dickey the fate of the playground, which has seen a lot of community support over the years, was unknown.

The request is the first step the city must take to regain possession of the property, City Manager Gregory Wilson said during Monday night’s city council meeting.

“The city would ask for it back under the same conditions as when it was first given to the school district,” Wilson said.

RICK KESSINGER / THE EXPRESS One of the signs at the Tiger Den playground lists the park’s hours and regulations.

The district paid $1 in exchange for ownership of the property back on Jan. 10, 2000, according to city records.

The city would pay the same amount if the district approves the transfer, Wilson said.

KCSD Board President Bo Miller was one of three members of the public to offer comment during the discussion.

“This is an asset to the community. We want this to remain a community asset for the children and all the people in that area,” Miller said.

He continued, stating the city would have the support of the district if they moved forward with the request.

Lou Bernard and Christopher Long, son of Mayor Joel Long, also spoke during the public comment section.

Bernard, who is a member of the Tiger Den committee, implored council to regain possession of the park.

“The community got together to build the Tiger Den over a decade ago,” he said.

Bernard stressed the importance of the playground to area children, including his own son. “Please don’t let Lock Haven’s children down,” he said.

Christopher spoke about the thousands of dollars raised to make the playground what it is today and the community support that went into it.

“The Tiger Den is a testament to what a community can do together,” he said.

The request will be submitted to the Keystone Central School District board for their approval at a later date.

Five members of council and Mayor Joel Long approved the resolution. Councilmen Douglas Byerly and Richard “Rick” Conklin were absent from Monday’s meeting held via livestream on the city’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business council:

— Reviewed the schedule for the CDBG Coronavirus Response program with City Planner Abbey Roberts.

The city will receive approximately $186,556 in entitlement funds through the Department of Community and Economic Development Block Grant (CDBG) to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus. The process will begin on May 18 and go as follows: Application short sheets will be available on May 18; Council will hold its first public hearing on June 1; A final public hearing will be on June 4; Council will hold a work session on June 8; the final public hearing will be on June 15; council will pass a resolution on July 20, approving applications for funding; the deadline for submission of applications to DCED will be July 31.

This process is similar to the city’s annual CDBG funding in the fall.

— Received a thank you from Mill Hall Borough’s department of public works for allowing the borough to use the city’s ladder truck to fix a flag pole.