Kane Parks Commission - review of 2022 annual report and suggested plans for 2023

The Kane Parks Commission (KPC) reviewed the Annual Report on Wednesday. The meeting, being at the Kane Borough Building, covered accomplished projects in 2022. Priority goals for 2023 were covered toward the end of the report that included priority projects to be accomplished in 2023.

To know a little bit about the KPC, the KPC Management Plan, which was adopted in April 2018 was written to describe the assets of the Kane Park System review the progress since the establishment of the KPC (August 2015) and make recommendations to the Kane Borough Council. The Mission statement of the KPC is to enhance the health and quality of life for residents and visitors to the Kane area by maintaining and enhancing the Kane Borough Park system for a full range of recreational, educational, and cultural experiences.

The 2022 Plan included thirty-seven specific recommendations covering policies, shortterm project goals, and long-term infrastructure issues.

Some of the projects that were completed (sometimes with the help of Kane Lawn and Garden and Kare for Kane) in 2022 were done at the gazebo, Glenwood Park, Santilli Field, Eli Mccloskey Skate Park, Evergreen Enchanted Playland, Southover Park (Steve Jerman Trail), and the Kinzua Avenue MiniPark. Those projects included planting grass, replacing dying trees with flowering shrubs, wood chips placed at the Tees and goal baskets, painting, fixing plumbing issues, replacing boards and tires, mulching, leveling the ground surface, repair of stonework, pouring concrete, stump removal, general landscaping, cleaning ditches, spreading gravel, constructing gravel pads at two entrances, field drainage, installation of a bench in memory of Mick Petruney, installing a bike repair station, and much more.

Projects discussed for 2023 included raising the base and replacing pavers at the walkway to the Steve Jerman Memorial at Southover park, repairing/replacing siding and roofing at the Park Avenue Pavilion at Evergreen Park, construction of new hand railings at the central footbridge at Evergreen Park (the stonework and walking surface of the bridge has recently been repaired/replaced), resurfacing the asphalt playing surface, and replacing backboards/ basket at the Kinzua Avenue Mini-park Basketball Court.

Representing the Art in the Wilds Committee, Marylin Blackmore requested a solution to uneven ground surface among exposed tree roots in the area of Evergreen Park where the Art in the Wilds is held. After a brief discussion, KPC Board Chairman Tom Hartman suggested that topsoil be spread and grass seed planted in these areas. He thought it would be a good project to be undertaken as part of the Kare for Kane Volunteer Day that is scheduled for May 12.

Another public speaker, Becky Farnsworth spoke on a topic that has come up in the past, the construction of handicapped accessible bathrooms at the eastern end of Evergreen Park in proximity to Memorial Point that are being used by the annual art show "Art in the Wilds".

Her vision not only included handicapped accessible bathrooms, but also an Honor Wall that would honor all local armed service members, adding to those memorialized at Memorial Pint. After considerable discussion on costs need for, potential vandalism, ad potential use, Hartman pointed out that all the successful projects that have come together to make Kane a better community had one thing in common, a strong core of dedication, like-minded individuals, willing to step forward and make things happen.

He further pointed out that the Kane Parks System Master Plan adopted in 2018 includes the recommendation that a committee be formed to research and develop a plan to fund and construct improved, handicapped accessible bathroom facilities at Evergreen and Glenwood Parks.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the local Dugout Club's proposed re-habilitation of Santilli Field at Glenwood Park.

Don Payne reported that to be considered for major resources of grant funding, a detailed engineering plan must be submitted with grant applications, with the plan costing in the neighborhood of $60,000. The Club has considered reducing the scope of the proposed project in the short term, to return the field to a playable condition during spring high school seasons. This will entail at a minimum, improved drainage, infield resurfacing, and rebuilding the pitcher's mound. The Club is currently in discussions with a company that specializes in ballfield surfaces that may be able to provide these services.

Citizens interested in becoming involved in researching the potential of this proposal are invited to contact the borough. The full Parks Management Plan is available on the Borough website at http://kaneboro.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/10/Parkmanagementplanapril2018-2.pdf