Park ideas tossed around by Follansbee Council
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FOLLANSBEE -- Members of Follansbee Council and a handful of residents tossed around a variety of ideas for improvements and additions to local parks during a brainstorming session held Monday.
Local consultant Joan Simonetti invited everyone to suggest things they would like to see at any of the city's five parks and from that, to cast multiple votes on the projects they want most.
Receiving the most votes were restrooms and timed lighting for all parks, refurbishment of the basketball courts at Mahan Playground and the Highland Hills and Jefferson Street parks; a dog park, a splash pad and the maintenance of natural areas or green space.
Resident Natalie Rocchio said she suggested the latter idea because she believes new industries should create a scenic area between their facilities and neighboring properties.
Many of the top vote-getters were considered more costly and requiring a grant or other financial assistance.
Third Ward Councilman Nick Cekinovich said a dog park seemed a relatively simple target, but Councilman at large John Casinelli and Mayor David Velegol Jr. said most dog parks include security features such as fencing to separate canines of larger and smaller breeds.
While voicing support for such goals, Velegol said, "We need to improve what we already have."
Many such projects were among the next set of ideas selected by participants because they were deemed more affordable.
That next set included facilities that may be used by the handicapped or those with other special needs, improvements to the bocce court at Follansbee Park and existing park shelters, new playground equipment for younger children such as swings and the creation of a pickleball court.
Many noted the latter sport's popularity in neighboring communities.
Organized by Simonetti, at the suggestion of 4th Ward Councilwoman Alexis Russell, the exercise was intended to help council set goals and none of the ideas have been formally approved by council.
But Simonetti did encourage council members to select a specific project to champion and develop a short description of its scope for council's consideration at a future meeting.
Council members recently moved to establish a committee devoted to the city's park and recreational opportunities.
While they agreed to serve as its initial members, Velegol said the intention is to recruit residents to replace them on it.
Russell said the panel could be chaired by a council member, while actions by the panel would require council's approval.
Velegol said one role he'd like to see the group assume is the planning and placement of memorial benches at the park and elsewhere in the city.