Clinton park grant proposal moves forward
The Clinton City Council and the Parks and Recreation Board approved a proposal to apply for a state grant to help fund a new park near Camden Farm. (photo:Ben Pounds )
The city in its proposal estimated the project costing about $1 million, of which half will come from the grant.
However, that total amount includes the value of already donated land, which Recreation Director Jason Brown said was around $398,000, leaving the city with just the difference.
Cathy Brown donated the land, which is on the other side of the railroad tracks from the dog park, and requested the city name it after her father, Otho Brown.
Rather than be a dog park, however, the park extension is likely to have a gravel walking trail, Jason Brown said, along with some additional disc golf holes, benches and a small canoe and kayak launch described in the presentation.
The park extension will likely use the same parking as the current park. Brown said he was not certain of the boat launch’s location yet.
In response to questions, he told citizens at the meeting that the expansion, like the existing park, would close at dusk, preventing it from needing lighting.
Also, the park extension will likely stay forested. The proposal describes it as a bird habitat.
The Parks and Recreation Board’s meeting at Clinton City Hall allowed for citizens to give their thoughts.
Sue Hayel said she was concerned about the city adding more parks when it hadn’t repaired pavement at Jaycee Park.
“How do we need another park?” she asked.
Brown told her that the city had set aside funds to repair the Jaycee Park pavement. He did not, however, have a time table for that project.
