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NEWTON FALLS -- Members of the Newton Falls Park/Recreation Commission, which has only met twice this year, have asked for the assistance and advice of new village manager Jeremy Shaffer on ways to improve and enhance the parks.
Shaffer told the board this week that he would recommend the board do an inventory of what each of the parks in the village have and what improvements need to be done.
Samantha Kropp and John Donato are two of the board members.
Shaffer said the park board needs to compile information on how much land acreage each park has and what each park includes, such as walking paths, ballfields, playgrounds and restrooms.
"We need to ask what are the strategic goals for the park? Are there walkways, playgrounds or bike paths? I have seen the parks and some have no ballfield," Shaffer said,
He said even if the park has greenspace for people to meet and eat lunch is good to have.
Shaffer said water features which are less expensive than splash pads could be added to the parks.
Shaffer, who has worked for Geneva-on-the-Lake village, said what he has found is "park systems create a better living place for people."
The village has a main park off Quarry Street and one by the Falls and Mahoning River and smaller neighborhood parks.
Shaffer said when data is compiled, it can be reviewed to see what funding can be sought for improvements such as lighting, new roofs on pavilions and shelter houses, basketball court sealing, restrooms enhancements or new playground equipment.
"It is important to seek funds to maintain what we have in the parks," said Shaffer, indicating there are grants available from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
He said the USO Community Center at the main park and the Falls on the river can be included in the parks and income tax revenue could be used for enhancements.
Shaffer said the parks receive income tax revenue of about $20,000 annually to make some improvements,
He said the village is already planning to do cleaning work by the falls to clear debris and plants to better be able to see the falls.
CONSULTANT HELP
Shaffer suggested that a consultant could assist the village as officials plan for the future of the parks.
The park board was advised to first gather information on what each park currently has.
"Go to each park and see what is needed and what is not needed. We can ask what we want to see improved at each park. If there is equipment that needs repaired can either be fixed up or gotten rid of," Shaffer said.
Kropp, the board president, said the board will gather information on the parks.
Shaffer said he has noticed many benches in the village downtown but few in the parks.
Kropp said residents have wanted memorial benches to remember loved ones.
She said a policy needs to be in place on hat types of benches should be allowed to match the aesthetics of the surroundings.
First Ward Councilman Brian Kropp said older wooden benches are in disrepair and need maintenance work done with efforts made to reach out to family members.
Samantha Kropp suggested putting a "temporary pause" on any new benches.
Kropp said the board plans to discuss and establish a formal, consistent policy for memorial benches on park property.'
She said the temporary pause on any new benches will allow the board to create a formal policy and get it adopted.
Being proposed are standards for memorial benches including one or more approved commercial-grade bench style and color, standardized memorial plaques, city approval of locations where benches can be placed and limits on the number of benches permitted within individual parks or areas.
The donors are responsible for the full cost of the bench, plaque, shipping, site preparation and installation.
Shaffer suggested that people can memorialize someone with a tree with a plaque by it, a picnic table, memorial pavers or having a ballfield named to honor someone.
Shaffer said some of the playground equipment at parks has aged and needs replaced.
He said in addition to seeking grants for parks, donations could also be sought.
Shaffer said he has learned that while one tennis court is nice for a park, having more would bring groups of people to play.
SKATE PARK
Residents have also expressed the need for repairs at the skate park area in the main park as well as cameras.
It was suggested by residents to use the skatepark for different events such as during the July 4 festival, fall festival or a medieval festival.
Kropp said the park board has not met for a while and is willing to listen to ideas for activities and events at the park.
Zoning Inspector Mark Stimpert said there are many groups that want to help volunteer at the parks. He said the Newton Falls National Honor Society is often looking for community projects in which to volunteer.
"If this community needs something done, people are always willing to step up and help. People showed up to help clean around the exterior of the community center." Samantha Kropp said.
She suggested a volunteer program be established since people of all ages want to volunteer however they can and what ways they want to help.
Kropp said the volunteer program would provide residents and community members with opportunities to assist with park improvements, programs, events, beautification, and other approved projects.
She said there have been requests by community members who want to volunteer their time and skills to support parks, beautification efforts and improvements. These would include park cleanups, planting and maintaining flower beds, farmers market assistance and landscaping.
Being discussed is establishing an annual recognition program to thank individuals and organizations that contribute volunteer service.
The park board plans to also begin the discussion on the long -term needs and priorities of the parks and recreational facilities and to develop recommendations for council regarding future park and recreation funding.
Kropp said the steps would be a master plan to include safety and essential maintenance, preserving existing assets, long-term capital projects, and high-impact improvements.
The board's third member, Jennifer McWhirter, has not been able to attend meetings so the board recommended she be removed as a member.