Council approves 10-year parks plan

With a gallery of Parks and Recreation Committee members and Director Patti Carter present Monday night, the Chester City Council gave unanimous approval to the park board's 10-year strategic plan.

Alderman J.D. Maes introduced the plan to the council, saying this project began during the pandemic of 2020. He added that many hours have been put into it, researching and gathering information.

The plan will establish a course of action to create a sustainable and interconnected system of parks, recreation facilities, programs and services, that will in turn promote recreation, health and environmental conservation for the community.

When people think about parks in Chester, they usually think of Cole Park and the Cohen Complex, but Chester has eight parks and green space areas available to the public.

Other areas people may not consider are the City Steps, the Memorial Park, the Gazebo Park, Harnagel Park/Cohen House, the Riverfront, and Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park at the bridge.

Carter said this plan provides recommendations for each of the existing areas owned by the city. She believes each of them have an important role to play for the present and the future recreation plans of Chester.

Parks and Recreation Committee Member John Reith is excited about the council's approval and said this is a big win for Chester. Reith said the plan has been diligently developed and has a comprehensive 1/3/5/10 year plan that includes some big plans for further development at Cole Park.

Alderman Ray Allison asked "the elephant in the room" question concerning removal of the old swimming pool at Cole Park. The plan suggests removal of the structure of the old pool vessel at an estimated cost of $150,000. At one time the city was in discussion with the National Guard about assistance with the project, but Allison suggested the city may need to put it out for bids in the future.

Carter added that some of the projects may have requirements that must be met in order to qualify for grants, licenses and progress. The goal of the plan was to clearly identify each park area and create a "road map" for the future of each one of them.

In other news from the council:

Terri Hirte's resignation as City Hall custodian was presented and accepted.

The council approved the parts and installation quote from Schreiber Parkson for the Sewer Plant aeration tank No. 2.

Approval was given for AmArbor Services Inc. to remove trees near the Branch Street gas regulator area and the Modoc gas regulator.

The council awarded its first formal contract for the Water Plant Improvements Phase 1 to Korte and Luitjohan Contractors Inc.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for April 4 at 6 p.m.