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Niles plans park updates

Officials to proceed with Waddell improvements

NILES — After receiving more than 750 surveys from residents about what they would like to see in the city parks, officials plan to use a $67,500 grant to begin requested improvements at Waddell Park.

Park Supervisor Bob Burke said improvements will begin this year and be completed by June.

Mayor Steve mientkiewicz said plans include a hiking trail, disc golf course, dog park area, enhanced security cameras, an adaptive playground area for handicapped and special needs children, new rubberized safety mulch for the playground, more trees and maintenance improvements.

The hiking trail and disc golf course will be worked on this year and the remainder of the projects next year, he said.

The $67,500 grant was obtained by the city three years ago and has to be used by June 2019 or the city loses the money, mientkiewicz said. The grant was awarded to support renovation at the closed city swimming pool or any improvements to Waddell Park.

“This will allow us to enhance the park and provide what the residents want,” mientkiewicz said.

While the grant money can only be used at Waddell, the surveys will be used as guides for projects and improvements at other city parks as money becomes available, he said. Besides Waddell, city parks are Stevens, Kennedy, Murphy, Iowa / Southside, Camrose and Circle.

“It’s our goal to beautify our city parks and make them accessible to all of the residents of Niles. We value public input and want the residents of Niles to help create a vision for what makes a great park system,” mientkiewicz said.

The plan for Waddell Park was finalized at the park board meeting in October. mientkiewicz said council will be asked for approval on projects at 6 p.m. Wednesday during the council meeting.

The park survey was conducted for two months in the summer. City officials analyzed data with the assistance of the regional chamber of commerce. The city contracted with the chamber for economic development services.

City officials said they wanted feedback from residents and businesses to spur future growth.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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