Perkins provides park updates

PERKINS TWP. — From installing new playground equipment to reinforcing rules already in place, a Perkins Township official overseeing local green spaces provided some updates on parks. Comments come from public works director Brad Link: Fairview Park playground • Why: Officials seek to provide a better park experience for all users there. • What: "Fairview Park was identified last year as a park that could use some small updates to existing play equipment. There are two areas of play in this park, front and rear, and the front-section swing set needed to be replaced as well as the small playset. The rear playset/climber/expression swing and benches will remain while also relocating a small playset from the front to the rear of the park. Also needed were new picnic tables and trash cans under the shelter." • When: "Perkins' public works crews began dismantling the structures this week with a planned installation of the new equipment next week." • Cost: The cost for the new playset and swings totaled about $61,300. "We received a grant from the Erie MetroParks in the amount of (about $6,300) to offset the cost. The remainder will be paid from the township's general park fund." Leash signs • Why: To remind people about park rules pertaining to dogs on leashes. "We have not had any issues pertaining to the installation of the sign or complaints of dogs running loose." • What: The signs will read "All dogs must remain on a leash while in the park, per (Ohio Revised Code) 955.22. Signs will be made in-house with existing materials and will be installed at all active parks in the township." • When: The signs should get installed soon. Park hours • Why: To remind people about when parks typically stay open: from dusk to dawn. • What: "We have not had any issues with people in the parks after hours, however, not all our parks have signage stating the park closure from dusk till dawn. Signs will be made and installed by public works crews using existing materials." • When: "We will be adding signage to those parks just as a reminder to visitors that they must stay out of the park during those times." • More: If someone sees people or a vehicle at a park during the restricted hours, they may call the Perkins police's non-emergency number: 419-627-0824. Link then explained the collective need for more signage in parks. "The leash and park signs are merely things that staff have noticed in other community parks and thought it would be a good idea to have the signs helping to keep our parks safe," he said.