The Lions Park Committee met on June 18, to discuss and prioritize plans for upgrading this community asset. There is much to do. Landscaping, conservation and upgrades to the park proper have long been overlooked. With the borough’s acquisition of the park, CARE’s commitment to fundraising and the formation of a dedicated Park Committee, Lions Park is in good hands.
This summer several projects have already come to fruition. The downed sycamores from an earlier wind storm have been removed and the brush chipped and hauled away for later use on a proposed rustic trail system through the wooded area of the park grounds. The damaged pavilion from the same storm has also been repaired and portions of the walking trail have been repaved. An additional grant from the US Forestry Service has gifted the borough with 20 new trees which have been planted, many of which grace the park.
Additionally, the earthen dike along Little Sugar Creek has been cleared of debris and dead wood. Calvin Ernst of Ernst Conservation Seeds had been working to reseed the bank with woodland plants native to the area. Working with the Extension Office, protected plant species will be identified and tagged. Habitats for small woodland creatures will be reestablished.
The playground sports a new Gaga Pit for the kids to enjoy. The octagonal pit is used for a kinder form of dodge ball played with a foam ball. The new pit mimics the one placed at the elementary school so the game is not unfamiliar to the users. New playground-grade mulch has been purchased by CARE and is currently being spread by local scouts. Mats have also been purchased to place under the swings. CARE has also secured six new benches through donations and/or memorials. Each of these will be anchored to new cement pads and placed strategically around or near the walking path. One has been set next to the new Free Little Library. The community is asked to take a book or share a book; it has already seen some joyful use by park visitors.
Coming soon will be the new park Lions Memorial at the entrance of the park. Deceased members of the former Lions Club will be added to the plaque and reset into new stonework. CARE has contracted Wendell Horst to do the work. Also on the 2022 To-Do list is repainting the picnic tables, installing lights on the north end of the trail along the creek by pavilions #3 & 4, painting the exterior of the old Lions Club meeting house, redesigning the rain garden and establishing flower gardens around the new memorial. This fall, forty more trees will arrive via a new grant from the US Forestry Service. Although the grant includes a variety of trees, it should be noted that sycamores have been requested for the park.
Long term plans include items that will require major fundraising efforts and grants. The “big” plans set forth by the committee include remodeling the interior space of the Lions Club meeting house for community use, replacing the roofs on pavilion #3 & 4, building permanent ADA compliant bathrooms, designing an all purpose court for pickle ball and badminton, development of a second entrance, redesign parking along Race St, signage, development of the rustic trail system and the building of a stage/entertainment center for community events.
The Borough of Cochranton is proud of the little park. We invite you to explore and enjoy this charming green space known to all as the Lions Community Park
