Woodward supers discuss improvements at Riverview Park
Trending
LOCKPORT -- During Woodward Township's September board of supervisors meeting, residents brought concerns about the condition of Riverview Park following the recent storms and potential upgrades to the park.
Resident Teresa Jacobs told supervisors that portions of the park had become difficult for children to use because of standing water. She said the swings had deep ruts and were surrounded by water following the recent rainfall, while other areas around the playground equipment were also saturated.
Supervisor Kyle Coleman acknowledged that township road crews have been occupied with storm-related work throughout the municipality during the past several weeks -- dealing with washed-out roads, clogged culverts, debris and drainage problems following the significant rainfall.
Despite those demands, supervisors said they would have crews return to the park to address the drainage and water issues.
While a portion of the park discussion centered on cleanup, supervisors also considered a new recreational opportunity for Riverview Park.
The township received a proposal from local young residents Wesley and Aubreigh Johnson, to establish a small three hole disc golf area at the park.
The children, 11 and 8, prepared a letter outlining their idea, stating the small course would give more people a reason to visit the park, one they call a beautiful place where families gather to walk, play and enjoy nature.
Supervisors expressed support for allowing them to pursue the project, agreeing that the small course would provide more recreation activities for families and kids.
The proposal suggested a possible location near the pickleball courts, however, supervisors are planning to open a discussion with the family and recreation committee to create an accessible and fun course.
Because the proposed course would be small, supervisors said it would not require a large amount of space.
Supervisors approved moving forward with the proposal, while noting that the exact placement and layout still need to be determined.
Supervisors also revisited the condition of the park's pickleball court that was damaged last fall.
Coleman said previous attempts to address problems with the court's asphalt have not provided a lasting solution.
Supervisors agreed that the damage done has created issues within the asphalt that may lead to cracking and further damage.
The plan moving forward for the supervisors will be to discuss the situation with their contractor and potentially return to the insurance company to determine whether additional coverage could be available because the court could not be adequately repaired through patching.