NBV park needs repairs to playground surface

Council members talked about replacing the current surface to provide better protection for children.

North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park is preparing for its first event of the season — and a few upgrades will hopefully be made beforehand.

During Tuesday’s meeting, council members discussed a few projects at the park, including replacement of the surface at the playground that is in need of repair.

Councilwoman Paula Usher, who heads the parks and recreation committee, said the current surface isn’t in great shape.

“We need to get something done because someone is going to get hurt,” she said.

Council President Brett Berish agreed.

He was at the park Monday night with his family and noticed holes in the surface that are a tripping hazard.

Council is considering using wood chips like the playgrounds at Cedar Creek Park. However, there are concerns about how the wood chips will hold up and if they will provide the best protection for children using the playground.

Usher said it’s likely kids will throw the wood chips, but it might be the best option.

“I know we were worried about using wood chips before, but they get padded down,” Berish said.

Mayor Craig Ambrose said the safety standards for parks change frequently.

“The standards for those types of things change all of the time, which is why we went with the blue surface,” he said. “So we just have to make sure what is allowed down there.”

The borough has $10,000 budgeted to put toward the cost of whatever surface it chooses, secured by a grant through state Sen. Kim Ward.

“Whatever we decide, it definitely needs to be done, and wood chips are basically like mulch at the end of the day,” Berish said.

While council members decide on a new surface, they agree that repairs need to be made to the current rubber surface.

It will cost less than $300 to purchase supplies to fill the holes, which needs to be done soon — especially as the weather starts to warm up and the park gets busier.

“If we can just put something down there now, those holes are bad, and we can see what the price is for wood chips or whatever way we want to go,” Berish said.

The park’s first event of the year will be its annual Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. April 19.

With temperatures set to be in the 70s for the rest of the week and no rain in the forecast, Berish asked the public works department to ensure that the park is ready to go.

“If you can get down there, make sure the park is cleaned up and ready, especially before the egg hunt, we want to make sure it looks presentable,” Berish said.

Other events on the schedule include Polka in the Park July 27, the Community Festival Oct. 11 and Light up the Night Nov. 23.

New this year, a Food Truck Festival is planned for Aug. 16. It will feature flavors from local food trucks and live entertainment.

For a full schedule of events, to book a rental or become a sponsor, go to nbvpark.com.