Local Parents Discuss Park Renovations

Parents said they would like to see swings, the brick parts of the ground replaced by rubber and a newer jungle gym play at Jackson Street Park, during a public meeting on Monday night. The park will likely be renovated this summer. But, Mayor Dawn Zimmer said, she doesn't want the park to be closed for too long.

Jackson Street Park—placed in between two buildings and covered by shade provided by trees—is located on Second and Jackson Street. The park, albeit in need of renovations, seemed popular with local parents of toddlers.

Parents on Monday night also asked to remove the bathrooms in the park, which aren't being used by kids they said, but rather by adults. Also, they added, the doors are locked most of the time.

"I'd never let my kid in there," said Jeff Goldberg, father of a 2-year-old son, and frequenter of the park.

Director of Health and Human Services Leo Pellegrini said that he didn't know how much the project would cost. He also couldn't be specific about when the renovations would be completed. But, he said, from ordering new equipment to completion of construction should take between four and six weeks.

Fourth Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti also attended the meeting.

Parents said that the area with chess boards is not being used by the kids who play in the park, who are mostly pre-schoolers.

Former councilman Tony Soares said that he'd like to see the place turn into a family park, where adults can come too. He proposed summer evening movie screenings on one of the brick walls that enclose the park.

Another issue raised by the parents who attended the meeting—around 20 or so people were there—was broken glass in the back of the park. Decorative glass has been broken, and pieces of glass were lying around.

Pellegrini said he'd take the public's feedback and add it to the tentative plans that are already in place to renovate the park.

Zimmer said Monday night's meeting was mostly for brainstorming with the ultimate goal to improve the park. "It needs to have a little bit more going for it," Zimmer said.