Park to receive playground

Ever since Payne Park opened in 2007, the city has struggled to find ways to attract people to use it.
Mayor Suzanne Atwell said one of her top priorities would be to increase the number of parkgoers there.

City leaders hope their latest proposal will accomplish that goal.

A playground and additional parking will be added to the park. Construction could start as early as January.

The total cost of the project could reach $1.1 million, although commissioners expressed a strong desire to come in below that price.

“I don’t want to spend the whole $1 million, but I want a spectacular park,” said Vice Mayor Terry Turner.

The entire playground area will be more than two-thirds of an acre in size and will hug the inside of the walking track at the main entrance, between the pond and building next to the skate park.

That location was the overwhelming choice of nearby residents, because it was built near the existing bathrooms adjacent to the skate park.

Money did not need to be spent on building new bathrooms.

Also discussed was what to do for shade.

Todd Kucharski, general manager of parks, said a full shade structure could cost up to $3 million.

Commissioner Shannon Snyder had a different idea — look for a business, organization or individual to donate the shade structure in exchange for naming rights.

Snyder also wanted to see security cameras placed at the playground.

The commission endorsed both of those suggestions.

An additional parking area will be created near the auditorium building.

Atwell believed all of those measures were significant steps toward her goal.

“I’m really excited about this,” she said. “I’ve been talking about activity in the park for a long time.”

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].