Luzerne park board considers upgrades
LUZERNE TWP. – A new concession stand will be constructed at Patsy Hillman Park near the soccer field and there was discussion Wednesday of possibly constructing another soccer field at the park. Harry Ruffcorn of the California Soccer League asked the park board if the league could construct a basic cement block concession stand near the current soccer field. Ruffcorn said the league currently sets up a concession tent at each game to raise money, but the building would provide better protection from the weather and would reduce set-up time. Ruffcorn said the 12- by 16-foot building would not have a kitchen or restroom and would have a metal roof and metal door on the concession window. It will also have a solid steel entrance door in an effort to reduce vandalism.
“If they damage it, we’ll fix it and keep going,” Ruffcorn said.
The board gave approval for the concession stand to be built by the league, with the understanding that it will be park property and must comply with the park color scheme of brown and beige if it is painted. Ruffcorn said construction should be completed before fall and the league will also reseed the soccer field and area around the concession stand.
Ruffcorn said the league had 94 new players register this year and it is looking for a new field for the younger players. The elementary age players are currently playing at California University of Pennsylvania’s field, but must pay rent for each game. Ruffcorn said there have also been conflicts with others using the field for recreation during game times.
Park board president Frank Ricco said a group is interested in constructing a football field at the old mud bog site, but it could possibly be used for a soccer field as well, with the teams sharing the facility, since there is little overlap in their schedules.
In other matters, the board decided to convert old truck tires that are in the mud bog area into playground equipment modeled after a playground in Farmington where the tires are half buried to create a play area. Board member Bob Bevard said it would cost the park $4,500 to have the tires hauled away if they are not used for playgrounds.
Ricco said a lease has been prepared for the Izaak Walton League to renovate an old storage room at the park for its office and meeting space. The lease must be approved by Luzerne Township and Brownsville Borough before going into effect. Ricco said that in addition to renovating the storage room, the IWL also plans to rehabilitate and stock the lake at the park.
Ricco said the board is still seeking funding for the comprehensive plan for the park. The board has $5,000 earmarked for the plan, but had been hoping to receive an equal amount from each of the municipalities that own the park. Ricco said the plan is needed before the park can apply for any state grants for projects. An engineering firm has drawn up a proposal for the comprehensive plan, but can’t begin on the project without the funding.
Bob Mehalik, the most recent appointee to the park board, suggested that board members attend the next regular meeting of the township supervisors and borough council to see if the money will be available. Ricco said the board is continuing its efforts to get grants through state Rep. H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg.