Playland replacement project seeking grant funding
ST. MARYS - Strides to advance the replacement of Playland at Memorial Park are continuing as St. Marys City Council unanimously approved applications for two potential grant funding opportunities for the project.
The first grant through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) requires a 50% match. Currently the St. Marys Parks and Recreation Department has secured $100,000 for the project through private donations.
Danielle Schneider, parks and recreation director, stated the cost to tear down the currents structure will be $20,000. The replacement cost for a new playground is estimated between $510,000 to $600,000. The lower cost is with a mulch ground covering while the higher cost is for a rubber ground surface, similar to one installed at the Fox Township Community Park playground.
The goal of the project is to completely renovate the playground and make it ADA accessible, making it the first playground in the city which is ADA accessible.
Playland was completed in 1990 and due to its age has many detioriating parts and pieces. While each year a different section is sealed coated, there are several areas of concern.
“We can’t not have a playground especially in such a well loved area. Playland is definitely loved,” Schneider said.
She emphasized that the original structure and layout of Playland will be difficult to replicate and a new playground will likely not look anything like the current structure and will consist of more separate sections, one geared toward youth age 2-5 years old and the second section for youngsters age 5-12.
Schneider said nothing is set in stone and they are planning to include the public’s input regarding what type of equipment is installed in the playground. This will be achieved by creating a few focus groups.
“It’s unfortunate, but the reality is it (Play
land) is not safe,” said Councilman Andrew Mohney. “That kind of structure is only good for so long.”
Schneider noted that she refers to Playland as Leather's Playground as that is the name of the company that originally built the structure.
The city will also be applying for a second grant, the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grant Program through the Commonwealth Financing
Authority. The deadline to apply is May 31. The city recently obtained a grant under this program for the Downtown Event Park bridge project.
Council also approved a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA) application filed by FSJM Enterprises, Inc., for a commercial insurance agency office located at 101 Madison Street was unanimously approved.
LERTA provides for tax abatements on improvements of commercial and industrial properties. According to the LERTA application, construction on the office is slated to begin in March. The building will measure 50 ft.x50 ft.x30 ft.
The projected cost of the improvements is $900,000. The request has already been approved by the St. Marys Area School District Board of School Directors and the Elk County Board of Commissioners.