Tuesday, February 14th, 2023
City plans to build basketball courts in Bryson Park District
By William Kincaid
CELINA - Two half courts are expected to be installed this year to the east of a full-length basketball court that went in last summer near Elm Grove Street in the Bryson Park District abutting Grand Lake.
City council members at Monday night's regular meeting passed an ordinance authorizing safety service director Tom Hitchcock to advertise and receive bids and enter into an agreement for the two half courts.
Councilors suspended the rules requiring three public readings and passed the ordinance as an emergency measure. They hope to award a contract soon and secure an early spot on the upcoming construction season schedule.
They also passed first reading of legislation for a lease agreement between the city and Small Town Pride for the lease of a section of Bryson Park District on June 24.
The basketball court ordinance sets aside $165,000 for the project though mayor Jeff Hazel pointed out the entire expense will be covered by the Bryson Trust Fund.
The Bryson Trust Fund has for decades financed millions of dollars in projects such as the Bryson Pool, shelter houses, park restrooms and other recreational improvements.
Bryson Trust Fund officers review city leaders' funding requests and the Mercer County Probate Court has final say.
"That will go on Elm Grove right next to the other new one that was built last year. Those are going to replace the other set of courts that were down where the new parking lot is being cut in around the back side of the amphitheater," Hazel explained. "This will be two half courts so they can simultaneously have a couple of games."
The full length court and related work were paid for in part with a $500,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation program.
Councilors also passed first reading of an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement between the city and Small Town Pride. The organization aims to hold an alcohol-free festival on June 24 to promote equality for all people. It will include live music, food vendors and crafts.
The agreement is for $1 plus the rental fee for use of the red tent and shelter houses.
This will be the fourth edition of the festival. STP was founded to educate the community on the importance of tolerance and to support LGBTQ individuals, according to the organization's Facebook page.
