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Munson's wish list includes dog park
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - October 05, 2011)
Munson's wish list includes dog park
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
A dog park, improved parking and park staffing could be in the offing for Munson Township parks.
Those were among the items Joseph Rosboril, who chairs the township's park and recreation board, presented for consideration to Township Trustees last week.
The township operates four parks: Nero Park off Bean Road, Scenic River Park off Mayfield Road, Munson Township Park off Bass Lake Road and Township Hall Park at the southwest corner of Sherman and Auburn roads.
Mr. Rosboril said the items were discussed at the park board's meetings and should be considered by trustees in the coming years.
A simple item, providing another large sign at Scenic River Park, was approved by trustees. The board voted to spend $357 for the sign as well as lettering that would be used to post messages.
Trustees, however, discussed the proposal made by the park board, but took no action.
Mr. Rosboril said one item on the board's wish list is an improved parking lot at Scenic River. The current gravel lot is not conducive for handicap accessibility.
He said a concert provided this past summer drew 250 people, some of whom would benefit from an improved parking lot.
Mr. Rosboril said he understood that paving the lot, or a portion of it, may not be possible, but asphalt grindings could make it easier for all visitors. He said asphalt grindings used on the drive to township's recycling bins made for a smoother drive.
"I know it's not going to be pavement, but it's better than what we have there," he said.
Trustee Andrew Bushman said the property, obtained with the assistance of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, has conservation easements, which specify that certain areas of the park are considered "no build zones."
Mr. Bushman said there may be limits as to what the township can do in certain areas of the park. He said the township may be restricted from using asphalt in certain areas.
Township officials agreed to check with the land conservancy to learn its options on improvements there.
Mr. Rosboril said township officials may also wish to consider expanding the lot there to accommodate more parking, noting that the summer concert presented some problems with space.
Trustee Todd Ray said he had concerns about expanding the parking for events that may only occur once or twice a year. However, he said, the township may be able to use a "green parking surface" that may meet the conservation easement requirements. A network of plastic frames, which allows grass to grow through it but still supports vehicles, may be one solution, he said. He said the area could be allowed to support vegetation and be mowed when the additional parking is needed.
Timothy Kearns, a park board member, said the board is also interested in creating a dog park at Nero Park. "It's such a community thing, you wouldn't believe it," Mr. Kearns said.
He said such parks not only allow dogs to socialize with each other, but also creates a nice social setting for the community to meet.
Mr. Kearns said he visited one in the city of Mentor and founded it to be a well-used offering by the city. "It brings people together," he said.
Creating the park would involve about an acre of land and fencing around it, he said.
Mr. Bushman said the township will likely have to check with the land conservancy on this issue as well because conservation easements also exist at Nero Park.
Mr. Rosboril also said it may be time for the township to consider hiring a part-time park employee. He said it is becoming increasingly difficult for the township road department to handle all the issues arising with the number of parks the township has created. "You're going to need a staff," he said.
Township officials could discuss the possible hiring in the coming year, Mr. Rosboril said.
In addition to those issues, Mr. Rosboril also asked trustees to consider fencing along the drive at Munson Township Park to prevent visitors from driving around speed bumps. Fencing, he said, could also be used at basketball courts to discourage geese from getting on the courts and fouling them.
Trustees said they would look at the issue in the spring.
Trustees also said they would use a free consultation to evaluate a pond at Scenic River Park at Mr. Rosboril's suggestion.
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