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WAC discusses area parks, events and election results
(by Sandi Latimer, staff writer - May 21, 2012)
Residents want the playground equipment coming to Greene Countrie Park to be installed in a new spot.
The equipment was removed earlier this year due to its aging conditions.
The Westland Area Commission (WAC) submitted location preferences to the Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks.
According to WAC member Shawn Thomas, a new location is needed because of the size of the trees in the area.
Thomas said work is progressing with the new park on West Broad Street. The city of Columbus plans to annex the land, which would make it easier for the Ohio Department of Transportation to work on changes for the traffic pattern and traffic light.
If all goes well, work could begin next month, Thomas said.
Talk of the park sparked resident comments about a community recreation center. Thomas and Dave Van Order said they talked with Councilman Andrew Ginther about a recreation center and came away feeling that it was a new topic for Ginther.
“A group of us met with Mayor Coleman and got promises that it would be built,” said Mike McKay, a former WAC chair. “Here it is seven, eight years later, and nothing has been done.”
The city had talked of building two such recreation centers and had three locations in mind, one of which would be the Westland area. City officials have said it had money set aside for the construction, but did not have funds for its operation.
WAC officials said the Prairie Township trustees have talked about joining forces with the city to help with such a center.
Taste of Westland
WAC member Adam Slane said he is working with the Westland Area Business Association (WABA) toward a Taste of Westland event that would showcase area businesses and restaurants.
He stressed talks are in the early stages and nothing has been firmed up, but the two groups are looking at similar programs in neighboring communities of Grove City, Worthington, Hilliard and Upper Arlington.
Election results
WAC chair Linda Pitts said the May 5 election for WAC produced a new member – Diane Good who works with the West Chester Block Watch group in the Greene Countrie area. Also elected to new terms were Marian Hymer, Adam Slane and Dave Van Order.
Officers for the coming year will be elected this summer and take office in September. Pitts said she plans to seek re-election as chair while Bill Steimer and Shawn Thomas said they would serve again as vice chair and treasurer, respectively. Dorothy Jantzen said she plans to run for recording officer, should Marian Hymer not seek re-election.
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