The city of Delaware had its first public meeting Tuesday following the death of Councilman Joe DiGenova.
The Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Board had a moment of silence for the 71-year-old 3rd Ward council member, who died Sunday afternoon.
Board members passed a table next to the council chambers’ doors to commemorate the late council member with a few items: a stylized photo of DiGenova, a Vietnam War veteran, with a folded American flag; a “DiGenova Way” sign; flowers; a candle; and a book for city officials to write a farewell.
“He will be missed by many people here in Delaware,” said board chairwoman Allyson Lash.
The board heard a presentation about the “Born Learning Trails” concept from Kelsey Fox, collective impact specialist at the United Way of Delaware County.
As part of United Way’s Strengthening Families initiative, the city is considering Blue Limestone Park and the Spray and Play at Veterans Park to each have 10 activity stations spread out on existing trails. Families can visit each station to build pre-literacy and problem-solving skills. Fox said Women’s Leadership Network will cover the cost and volunteers will handle the installation and maintenance of the station’s poles and signs.
May is the targeted month to have the signs installed, she said.
Lash and board member Angela MacWhinney asked Parks and Natural Resources Director Ted Miller to show the layout of the signs with exhibits at the next meeting. Lash said she was concerned about congestion at the Spray and Play.
The stations would remain in place at least until June 2021.
In other business, Miller informed the board that Riverview Park will be converted into green space. The park’s old playground equipment will be removed.
Councilman Kyle Rohrer, 4th Ward, inquired about an access gate to discourage mischief.
