(Posted Aug. 1, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The village of Mount Sterling is swinging into action on the next set of improvements at Mason Park.
On July 24, village council approved the transfer of $80,000 from the general fund to the parks and recreation fund to purchase and install three bays of swings at the park. The funds transfer allows village leaders to start the project while they wait for a state capital budget grant to come in. The grant and a donation from the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities are covering the cost of the project.
Council member Becky Martin, chair of the parks and recreation committee, said the village is placing an order for the equipment now in hopes of having it in place before winter. She said it could take three months just to receive the equipment.
The village has chosen a variety of swings, from traditional belt swings to an intergenerational swing that allows a parent to swing with their child face-to-face. The selections also include swings that are accessible to children with handicaps.
“(The project) takes care of all ages and capabilities and even gives mothers a way to swing with their child,” Martin said.
Rubber mulch will be installed under the swings. The project plans are available for viewing at town hall.
In other recreation news, the village dedicated three new benches at Mason Park on July 24. Hammer Time Pub and the Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League each sponsored a bench. The parks and recreation committee sponsored the third bench in honor of Stan Hanson, a former Mount Sterling resident who donates generously to village projects and programs.
“The benches are a way to beautify the park and provide comfort,” Martin said.
The cost to sponsor a bench is $1,500. Donations cover the bench, which is made of long-lasting composite material, and the concrete pad on which it sits. For more information, contact Courtney Bricker, Mount Sterling’s fiscal officer, at (740) 869-2040.
Another way to help beautify the park, Martin said, is to sponsor a tree. The cost is $500 and includes a newly planted tree and a plaque. Call Bricker for details.
On July 27, the village’s tree and beautification committee met at the park and welcomed a special guest. Ryu Dunn, young man who lives in Burr Oaks, donated a red maple tree he raised from a seed. The four-foot-tall sapling has been planted at the park.
“He wants to watch it grow,” Martin said.
Upcoming events at Mason Park include a Special Olympics softball tournament on Aug. 12. A movie night is set for Aug. 26. The village is showing “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (PG). Show time is dusk (approximately 9 p.m.)
The next parks and recreation committee meeting is Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. at town hall. The next regular meeting of village council is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at town hall.
