Newell maps plans for upgrading busy Second Street Park
NEWELL – Now that spring has arrived, borough council is busy with maintenance at the Second Street Park, which will be getting a lot of use from local residents and sports teams. Councilman James Livingston said the fence around the basketball court is in need of repair because of some damaged parts that had become sharp and potentially hazardous. Since the council wants to fence in the park, Tammy Meese, council vice president, said she hopes they might be able to install the new fence and fix the damages at the same time.
She said she got a $2,021 estimate from the All Around Fence Company for materials and installation.
“I am thinking that we might be able to save money by purchasing the materials and having the borough workers install the fence,” said Meese.
Other council members agreed that it would be cheaper for them to proceed with the project that way, rather than pay an outside company to install the fence.
“I would like to see this done before the end of this summer,” said Meese, adding that the fence would help keep children safe by preventing them from running into the streets.
The council decided to table a decision until they determine the cost of materials.
Councilman Ed Stepp also addressed the issue of dogs in the park, saying the council should post signs prohibiting them.
“We should put signs on the playground and around the ball field that say dogs are not permitted in those areas, because we can’t enforce anything without them,” said Stepp. “There are children playing ball out there, and they shouldn’t have to deal with the mess.”
He suggested that there should be fines for violations of the rule, and people should be aware that the law will be strictly enforced. However, Councilman Tom Sheehan suggested that perhaps instead of not allowing dogs at all, the council could place signs that are in accordance with state statutes that penalize dog owners for not cleaning up after their pets. Solicitor John Lowery said state laws guard against anything that “creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition.” The board will continue to discuss what rules will appear on the signs in order to have a cleaner playground for children.
Stepp also reported that children were using pieces of wood to make ramps for skateboarding on the playground, which is considered borough property.
“It is dangerous, and my concern is that someone will get hurt,” said Stepp, adding that it could be a liability for the borough if someone is injured.
He suggested that police should be notified when children are making their own ramps so that they can write an incident report, and parents also could be notified.
Lowery said that as long as the borough is not providing a permanent ramp for the children’s use, it cannot be held accountable.
On a more positive note, Meese announced that the borough’s community day will be held Aug. 9. She said that if enough people want to participate, the borough plans to have a community-wide yard sale.