The initiative to renovate the playground at John S. Burks Memorial Park in Dade City is pressing forward after the public had the opportunity to offer its input.
A session was held on July 10 at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City, to solicit public input.
Ideas presented – especially by youths – possibly will be implemented into the project, said Angela Fagan, of the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department.
Safety was a main topic of discussion, Fagan said.
Suggestions included installing a portion of the playground under existing trees for better shade, and using a soft rubber surface on the playground to prevent injuries.
Concerns were mentioned about issues with motorists driving too close to the playground, and people hanging out in the nearby woods engaging in questionable behavior, Fagan added.
Providing better access to the premise for those with limited mobility is another idea the county department intends to factor into its designing phase.
Fagan noted that project funding is coming through a general obligation bond supported by voters last November.
The county has $127,000 for this project.
The county also is seeking a state grant, which could raise available funding to $245,000, Fagan said.
The playground’s renovation is still set to begin in 2020.
Published July 31, 2019
