Enhancements on the way

Several enhancements are planned for Buckeye Park and the Community Swimming Pool this summer.

Bluffton council’s parks and recreation committee met April 18. From that meeting came the following action:

New restrooms
The older restroom on the Spring Street side of the park was removed this winter. A new restroom will be constructed on the northwest side of the shuffleboard courts in the vicinity of BFR’s outdoor soccer fields. Bids will go out in June with an anticipated July construction start date.

Pool improvements (costs are estimates)
• Repair concrete ($5,000 to $8,000)
   Main office, restrooms, guard room, around baby pool
• Repaint Foursquare area

• Equipment purchases:
• Concrete corn hole set ($725)
• Matching trash can lids ($1,680)
• 4 picnic tables ($2,931 - $3,544), and
• New lounge chairs ($3,000 to $5,000)

On the wish list for possible construction in 2019 is a 12 by 45 foot shelter house estimated at $16,300.

Other improvements
• In June the dike between the quarry and Riley Creek will be repaired
• Looking at 2019, the village hopes to add adult swinging benches, bodyweight exercise and new types of playground activities. These improvements would be funded through a NatureWorks grant.