The Elizabethtown City Council approved a grant submission that would target low to moderate income neighborhoods underserved with respect to parks and other outdoor recreation resources.
The money, should it be granted, would be used to build pocket parks in Elizabethtown. The National Recreation and Park Association defines a pocket park as a small outdoor space, usually no more than a quarter acre, usually only a few house lots in size or smaller, most often located in an urban area surrounded by commercial buildings or houses on small lots with few places for people to gather, relax or to enjoy the outdoors.
The Funtopia playground at American Legion Park is expected to have a brand new look by the end of the year.
Mayor Jeff Gregory said the city recognizes the importance of Funtopia, which has been a staple in Elizabethtown since it opened in May 2002, to multiple families in the community. He said city council has pledged, in the next budget, to pay for a new playground with a price range around $400,000 or $500,000.
Though initially closed to public gatherings last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the playground has remained closed for not meeting playground safety standards.
Parks and Recreation Director Seth Breitner said the city has people on staff who are certified to inspect playground equipment. He said over the years theyâve had to reduce features at the playground because of failing audits or because they were not meeting standards.