An informal survey taken in Oil City's East End neighborhood has provided some fodder for a playground-building project.
Last
May, the South Side Neighborhood Association and the city's
Redevelopment Authority joined forces to explore whether a vacant lot
on East Third Street has the potential for a neighborhood playground, a
basketball court, a community garden or other civic use.
The East
Third Street property, actually comprised of three small empty lots,
was purchased for a nominal fee by the Redevelopment Authority out of
the county's tax repository account. The property is located behind
Best Printing at 111 Walnut St.
At former city manager Tom
Rockovich's urging that the land could be converted to a playground in
a neighborhood that does not have that amenity, the Redevelopment
Authority contacted the Neighborhood Association.
"Tom said there
was 'nothing for younger kids there' and so I asked the South Side
group to take hold of this and work together with us," said Ron
Gustafson, chairman of the Redevelopment Authority. "We're all on board
to this point with a playground."
To gauge community interest,
the association conducted a survey that asked what residents thought
the property ought to hold. The results show almost half (44 percent)
of the 102 respondents believe the lots should be converted to a
playground. Other opinions range from using the property as a community
garden (33 percent) or a basketball area for youth (20 percent).
The survey also showed East End residents are willing to help with the
project. More than half of those who replied indicated they would
volunteer in some way to convert the property.
The Redevelopment
Authority, said Gustafson, will keep ownership of the land and provide
insurance coverage through the city. There may be funding available
through the Community Development Block Grants. In June, city council
allocated $60,000 from the anticipated grant monies to upgrade the
Lincoln Playground and establish the East End playground.
"The association is trying to make improvements in the neighborhood and this is a good approach," said Gustafson.
The issue now moves to the Redevelopment Authority that will consider how the East End property should be used.
Nominations sought
In
another matter, the South Side Neighborhood Association is accepting
nominations for its second annual Good Neighbor Award. The honor
recognizes outstanding South Side neighbors "who have made and continue
to make our neighborhoods a better place to live," noted the
organization.
Nominations are open to the public. A committee
will select the winners and their names will be announced at the
association's Nov. 24 meeting at the First Free Methodist Church on
Wilson Avenue.