Howland plans improvements at Orwig Park
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HOWLAND -- A joint venture is taking place among Howland Township, the park board and the school district to make renovations and improvements at Richard E. Orwig Park on East Market Street.
Park board commissioner Sean Pompelia said for the $35,000 project, the township will contribute $12,000 for lighting.
The project includes putting in new trees and removal of older trees, landscape lighting updates, picnic table installation, water foundation updates and gazebo repairs.
He said donations from the community will be used for the improvements.
"No taxpayer dollars are being used. We have received donations for the work," Pompelia said.
The park is used throughout the year for holiday events during Christmas and July 4, as well as the weekend farmers market and summer food truck nights.
Due to the heavily-visited area, officials want to ensure it is maintained.
"The park is the center of our community and well-used. We want to make sure it is taken care of," Pompelia said.
Township Administrator Jim Pantalone said the three entities are working together, each covering a portion of the project.
"Because there are three entities involved we needed to have an agreement in place," Pantalone said.
"The township will be handling the landscape lighting, which is our component of the project. This will include a variety or renovations and updates," Pantalone said.
He said the Richard E. Orwig property is owned by the school district and leased by the township. The park board offers recreational activities.
He said there are many community groups who make use of the park and make donations to help.
OTHER PARK WORK
The park board is working with township officials for paving a portion of the township park.
The remainder of park roads not paved last year will be completed this year, Pompelia said.
Pompelia said the park board is overseeing other park-related projects around the county, including a new roof on the restroom building and on the lake pavilion at Bolindale Park in Warren, and a new roof at the maintenance building at the main township park.
Pompelia said the roofs needed repaired due to damage from storms. Insurance will cover the costs.
In other matters, Pantalone said the township is addressing areas that flood during heavy rainstorms.
"We have spoken to the Army Corps of Engineers about evaluating what has been going on in the wetlands and near Mosquito Creek where some of the flooding comes from," he said, indicating the Anderson Avenue and Pegotty Drive areas.
The county engineer's office has also been in communication over flooding in the Meadow Lane area.
"We are evaluating the areas to see what can be done,'' he said.