Tuesday, November 15th, 2016
State funds could boost park upgrades
Celina to receive almost $2 million
By William Kincaid
CELINA - Nearly $2 million in state capital dollars will roll into the city to allow for significant park improvement projects next year.
City council members on Monday night passed first reading of three ordinances authorizing safety service director Tom Hitchcock to accept Senate Bill 310 Capital Improvement Community Recreation awards - $350,000 for Eastview Park ball diamonds and field improvements, $406,000 for Bryson Pool improvements and $1.2 million for the Harley Jones Rotary Memorial Amphitheater.
City administrators and council members alike praised Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, for his efforts in securing the state dollars for Celina.
Upon final approval of the ordinances, city auditor Betty Strawn will create special revenue fund accounts to direct and spend the grant dollars. As stipulated by the awards, the city will use some funds for administrative costs - $7,000 from the $350,000 award, $8,120 from the $406,000 award and $20,000 from the $1.2 million award.
The amphitheater will be constructed in the soon-to-be developed Bryson Park District along Lake Shore Drive.
An exact location has not been chosen, but mayor Jeff Hazel has speculated that an amphitheater capable of holding at least 500 people would be built, perhaps near the hot water hole.
Jones died on March 20 at age 82. He was known for operating Jones Jeweler in Celina, serving on numerous local and state committees and actively participating in civic organizations.
Officials plan to spend $406,000 on Bryson Pool. Plans call for two shelter houses; umbrellas; a splash pad that will replace the baby pool; three new diving boards; and a new, more efficient filtration system.
Eastview Park ball diamond and field improvements are also set for next year with $350,000 in state capital grant funds. Plans include a new automated batting cage as well as improvements to the Montgomery Field infield.
Bill Montgomery, his family and business, Celina Insurance Group, together donated $250,000 to install the synthetic field at Eastview Park in 2007. The city has been repairing the surface, but the turf now needs to be replaced.
The artificial turf likely will be replaced next year at an estimated cost of $195,000. Council has set aside $100,000 and about $18,000 is available in a Mercer County Civic Foundation account, Hitchcock noted. The rest will be paid with state capital grant funds.
