Liverpool is looking to revitalize its community park.
A special committee meeting was held July 3 to receive input from the public and to brainstorm visions for the park's future. The committee was established during the June meeting of Liverpool Borough Council.
One thing everyone could agree on was the park needed a solid clean-up effort. The baseball infield cut out is overgrown with grass and the bank lining the park also is overgrown.
Another concern was the park's being a place of drug use. Several community members expressed concerns about people smoking marijuana there. Committee member Jenna Seaman added hypodermic needles also have been found.
Everyone agreed that better monitoring of the park was needed. Resident Bobbie Kline-Parsons suggested re-establishing a community watch program. Short of that, she suggested someone could drive by the park daily around dusk and monitor any activities. Installation of video surveillance also is a possibility.
Liverpool has no police department.
Resident Charlene Weller, who recently moved to the borough and lives near the park, said she would not have moved there if she knew what she knows now. She said many people at the park -- particularly those using the basketball courts -- have no regard for residents, with some basketball games going all night. She felt the installation of lights was a mistake. She'd also like to see restricting use of the park overnight.
In addition to general cleanup and increased security, Seaman encouraged residents to "think big" on the park's potential. She liked to see a building constructed with public rest rooms and installation of new playground equipment. She also suggested more events to bring the public together, such as outdoor movies nights at the park.
Seaman is planning a trip to Kidsgrove to get more inspiration for potential additions.
Kline-Parsons suggested enlisting local Boy Scout troops to help with efforts. Boy Scouts previously swept the tennis court and tidied up the grassy area along Front Street.
Seaman said she'd also like to do something with the Village Green, but the playground was the main focus for now.
Girl Scouts are painting trash cans with festive designs to enhance the attractiveness of the green.
Many different potential sources of funding for improvements were discussed.
Committee member Joni Mitchell, who works at the state House of Representatives as a legislative secretary, hopes to achieve large grants to fund the project. The next round of bidding for grants starts in February, she said.
A "go fund me" webpage is being established and donations from the community will be accepted. The local Sunoco already has donated.
Other fund-raising ideas included benefit meals and T-shirt sales.