The Central City council approved the purchase of new lighting for two pavilions in Lions Park at the Board meeting on Tuesday. Public Works Manager Shane Swartzlander said that the existing lights are old and poorly functioning and need to be replaced. The new lights will cost $1,533 to purchase and install, with money taken from the park fund.
The city is continuing to plant trees in Lions Park through the Trees Forever Program. Over 30 trees have already been planted out of 137 that were approved to be grant-funded. The trees are to be planted in several stages with time of planting depending on how suitable the weather is. The trees are expected to be finished planting well before the October deadline for the grant. Central City community members are encouraged to take part in the tree planting to help improve the park.
Central City has applied for a Strong Communities Program Grant through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Money from a Strong Communities grant can be used to rehabilitate vacant properties or demolish properties that are beyond repair and negatively affecting neighboring residences. Central City submitted a list of over 18 relevant properties with its grant application.
Mayor Neely Reed stated the importance of groups using Lions Park to communicate with the city about events they are holding in the park to help the city better manage the park. Reed asks organizers with any kind of function taking place to let the city know.
