MetoParks outlines planned upgrades to VOA
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
WEST CHESTER TWP. — A skate park, an amphitheater and a ropes course are among the top amenities soon to adorn Voice of America Park.
Butler County MetroParks heard a presentation from planning firm McGill Smith Punshon Tuesday, May 13, that resulted from the input of a 17-member park user group.
Extras
That group favored — in no particular order — improved sports fields, a skate park, a walking trail, playgrounds, natural areas, an amphitheater, winter sports, a ropes course and a cross country course.
Additions not being considered right now include a bike rental, a trolley system, a driving range, court sports and curling.
Residents at Tuesday's meeting generally approved of the plan, but cautioned the board on some proposals.
"I don't want to see this park become an amusement park," said West Chester Twp. resident Dieter Lubert. "I would like to see it stay quiet."
Liberty Twp. resident Marty Davis reminded the board that the dog park still needs running water, and other residents asked them to maintain the meadow habitat some birds rely on.
MetroParks Chairman Edward Dwyer said the board will strive for "a balancing act" between recreation and conservation.
The company will come back next month with a layout of where the additions will go, a prioritized list of the projects over the next few years and price tags.
Unless the agency gets an influx of funding, building all this will take a while. MetroParks has $322,000 in its capital projects budget, and these projects will cost millions.
MetroParks is looking for corporate sponsors and considering borrowing money. MetroParks Director Jon Granville said he hopes to have a plan — complete with costs and timelines — in July.
"We don't want to wait too long and have the enthusiasm die," Granville said.
Contact this reporter at jsweigart@coxohio.com.
