Board plans to improve Patsy Hillman Park
LUZERNE TWP. – Improvements are in store for Patsy Hillman Park in an effort to increase use at the facility jointly owned by Brownsville Borough and Luzerne Township. Park board President Frank Ricco said a water line will be installed this Friday, extending service to the Luzerne pavilion on the far side of the lake. Ricco said about 750 feet of line will be installed, with several shut-off valves. Water will only be turned on at the pavilion when it is rented, Ricco said.
Ricco said he would also like to see the Redstone pavilion restored for use next year. The pavilion was closed this year due to vandalism and other problems. Ricco said the pavilion will need some repairs to the roof, six to eight trees cut down that are in poor condition and brush cleared away to improve the usable space at the pavilion as well as increasing the visibility of the site to discourage future vandalism.
Board member Gary Rable said the work on Redstone pavilion could be meaningless if additional work isn’t done at the park to provide playground equipment for children at the park. Rable noted that rentals were down considerably this past summer and several rental customers said they wouldn’t be back because of the lack of playground equipment.
The park board removed all of the equipment prior to the opening of the park this year due to safety concerns. The old equipment did not meet safety regulations and a proper playground surface also needs to be put under the equipment to reduce the risk of injury.
“We need to get the swings up, no question about it,” Ricco said. “We need to get someone to tell us what we need to meet specifications.”
Ricco said other improvements to the park, particularly the lake area, could come through the Izaak Walton League. IWL member Ray Koffler has taken photos of the park and told Ricco he would present information about the park to the national IWL.
“He’s confident he can get money to help us with the park,” Ricco said.
Board member Gene Enfield reported that there will be a Boy Scout Jamboree at the park on Oct. 15, 16 and 17, with about 100 Scouts expected to attend.
Rable pointed out the need for official meeting minutes, which have not been presented to the board in recent months. Ricco said the minutes are also to be given to Brownsville Borough and Luzerne Township.
The park board also noted that no boats are permitted in the lake.
Hunting will be permitted in the park this year in designated areas only.
Hunters must observe all safety zones, which will be enforced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.