The Centralia City Council has approved the submittal of a grant request for a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development or OSLAD grant for improvements to Fairview Park.
The approval came after a member of the Parks Committee Ricky Garrett questioned why money wasn’t included for needed improvements at Laura Leake Park.
City Manager Kory Smith says unfortunately the grant only allows for improvements to one park.
“I took into consideration the pool committee we organized not too long ago. With the hopeful aspect of seeing feasibility and hopefulness of regenerating or getting movement on the pool, the betterment of the park would also enhance that project. We also have a contract with 618 Academy which utilizes the ball fields out there on a pretty regular basis and we have seen some outstanding crowds. And with this, we are hoping to cement their place out there and provide some needed necessities that can help out with them.”
The application will seek money for new restrooms, a baseball/softball field maintenance shed, sidewalks, playground equipment for the tot lot, a multi-sport court, and upgrades to the basketball court. The city would not be required to provide any matching funds.
But Smith added Laura Leake Park has not been forgotten, noting he feels nothing unifies a community more than parks. Smith called on Economic Development Director Derek Sherman to explain funding that will be sought for Laura Leake improvements.
“I’ve been in contact with Land of Lincoln [Credit Union], they seemed interested in helping us improve our parks, which would be Laura Leeke in this case. Juneteenth is there and it’s the largest one in Southern Illinois so in the upcoming budget presentation we have to help support the funding we need. It looks like we have a good shot with the Land of Lincoln, to support improvements at Laura Leake.”
Sherman feels the grant funding for Laura Leake Park is more certain than obtaining the OSLAD grant but notes if it is turned down, an application can be made again.
Smith noted with all the members of the Fairview Park Pool Committee selected he is trying to find a date everyone can meet.
In other action, the board approved a joint funding agreement with IDOT to pay for 80 percent of the upcoming cost of Gragg Street improvements from Lincoln Boulevard to Country Club Road. Smith says they are getting closer to beginning construction, with only a few easements left to be finalized.
The council approved changing the zoning in the 200 block of South Walnut from multi-family residential to central business district.
A $207,725 bid was awarded to TEK Construction, Inc. for a sanitary sewer extension on Meadow Lane. The bid was over-estimate but the lowest of the three submitted.
Bids were received on five of the eight surplus parcels of property put up for sale by the city. After review, bid awards could be made at the next meeting on October 10th.
