STEUBENVILLE - An offer to improve the entrance to Beatty Park was approved Wednesday night by the city's parks and recreation board.
Area businessman Jody Glaub created a Beatty Park Beautification Fund last year when he served as honorary mayor for a day.
"I spent time as a kid in the South End. My wife and I walk through Beatty Park and I think at one time or another everyone has enjoyed Beatty Park," said Glaub.
Article Photos
NEW ENTRANCE — The Steubenville Parks and Recreation board approved an offer Wednesday night to beautify the entrance to Beatty Park in the city’s South End. -Dave Gossett
He said his original $5,000 donation has been matched by other donors for a total of $15,000.
Ben Bowers of Bowers Landscaping of Wintersville said the front entrance to the park "has become overgrown.
"I have thought about cleaning up that entrance by power washing the columns. I would also like to plant trees in the middle strip of the entranceway as you drive into the park. I would also like to install planter beds. There are several sandstone markers that have sunk into the ground over the years. I would like to dig them up and reset them," said Bowers.
"The only maintenance needed will be watering the flowers, replacing mulch over time and weeding," added Bowers.
"I would also like to replace fencing near the entrance and to clear an old trail there," Bowers noted.
Recreation Director Troy Kirkendall said several trees at the front entrance may need to be professionally removed.
"I am also concerned about how our staff will maintain the work you want to do. We are stretched thin during the summer months," Kirkendall said.
"We have had citizens appear before this board over the years expressing a willingness to help the city with our parks. Now is the time for interested citizens to step up and volunteer to maintain the parks," said Recreation Board member Vicki Nurczyk.
The board also heard from Jackie Hines, who announced several area residents are forming the Ohio Valley Concerned Citizens.
"A lot has been going on in the community and different organizations are working to improve the communities. We came here to say we want to collaborate with the parks and recreation department for activities for youth and families. We want to promote activities for all community residents," said Hines.
In other business, board President Sandi Rue announced the board has adopted a new agenda process designed to allow meetings to proceed more smoothly in the future.
And the board approved several requests including;
The LaBelle Neighbors Who Care, which will host a free summer youth activity program from July 9-20 at the Belleview Clubhouse.
Steubenville Tigers cheerleaders cheering camp May 21-23 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and a cheering tryout on May 24 at the recreation center.
The Lee Alexander West Spiritual Movement on July 21 at Belleview Park to celebrate the late West's 16th birthday and to bring youth and families together.
A cornhole tournament on Aug. 11 at Jim Wood Park by the Tri-State Tigers.
Kirkendall said no one bid on the Belleview Park concessions so the swimming pool cashiers will continue to sell snack items.
"We are also starting to work on a shelter for Piece of Pie Park this summer," said Kirkendall.
Board member Kenny Peterson thanked M&M True Value Hardware for donating paint used at the Murphy Field ballfield.
The recreation board and two council members met in executive session following the regular meeting to discuss personnel.
