Several opening dates were announced and the city’s new parks and natural resources director was introduced at the Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday.
“The dog park grand opening will be May 7 at 8:30 a.m.,” said parks supervisor Stacy Davenport. “We installed the areas for the drinking fountains (Monday). We’ll install the drinking fountains this week, along with the concrete around the benches, and that should wrap up the dog park.”
The dog park is next to the Wetlands Park behind the Glennwood Commons shopping center.
The Veterans Memorial Plaza dedication will be at noon on Memorial Day (May 30). The plaza, in the corner of the YMCA and National Guard on South Houk Road, will feature the cannon that once stood guard near the Point. It will also have a “Circle of Remembrance” — an elevated eternal flame sculptural element — along with “Stars of Reflection” for the 12 wars America has fought in; and veterans’ mementos mounted to walls.
“Once it’s done, with the eternal flame and everything else, that’s going to be top-notch,” Davenport said.
The Veterans Park “spray and play” opening will be June 4 at 10 a.m. “It is really coming together nicely,” Davenport said. “The only thing we have to do out there is assemble some picnic tables. We’ve got all the other furniture assembled. We’ll wait for feedback to see if we need more.”
The Veterans Park is adjacent to the YMCA, and features dinosaur-themed playground elements.
A recent open house for the renovated Hidden Valley Golf Course drew 50 attendees even though no one could play due to the weather, Davenport said.
Ted Miller was introduced as the new parks and natural resources director. He starts May 4.
Miller said he has spent the last 12 years with Preservation Parks of Delaware County, seeing that organization grow to oversee more than 1,000 acres.
“I’m familiar with a lot of the projects going on in Delaware, and look forward to everything we can accomplish here,” Miller said.
Davenport, Miller and City Manager Tom Homan have met with the Northwest Neighborhood Association about establishing a passive park on West William Street, at the former Boardman Elementary School site.
On the recreation side, the 36th annual Dave Staley Triathlon date was announced as July 9, which has moved up due to the Ironman event in August. The pool swim, bike ride and run is for children 6 and older, as well as adults.
Finally, the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day and the American Red Cross’ Safe Family Day has been combined and will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 30 at the YMCA. More than 500 attended the YMCA event last year.
Starting in May, the board will begin meeting every other month as two separate subcommittees — parks; and recreation and special events.
