Community wowed by new Wilbert Street Park

SANDUSKY — Upgrades at the tiny park should make a sizable difference for those living near there.So says Sandusky stakeholders, who all made the substantial statements this past Thursday during a dedication ceremony for the new Wilbert Street Park at 2002 Tiffin Ave."This is a small park, but it makes a big difference to this neighborhood," said city manager Eric Wobser, who spoke while about a dozen children entertained themselves on the play structure, consisting of slides, swings and climbing materials.Sally Thompson holds her grandson, Ace, 3, as he makes it to the end of the money bars at the Wilbert Street Park in Sandusky on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.After acknowledging city public services workers assembling the playground, Wobser credited residents who, he said, truly paid for this $25,600 asset.The money comes from a dual tax increase voters approved in fall 2014, formally known as Issue 8. Residents supported raising both the income and admissions tax rates to subsidize public projects, including park-related investments."This helps in making sure people want to live and choose to live in the city," Wobser said.Sandusky city manager Eric Wobser speaks during a dedication at the Wilbert Street Park in Sandusky on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.Wilbert Street Park also features a number of amenities allowing those with mobility issues to hop on them, such as handicap accessible swings."Parks like this add value to neighborhoods and add value to residents, and you all need to be very proud of what the city is doing, even with a little park like this," said Jeff Berquist, who serves as chairman on Sandusky's ADA and fair housing boards.Children play on the new playground equipment at the Wilbert Street Park in Sandusky on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.About 30 people attended the ceremony. The headcount included area resident Vicki Bird, who expressed her appreciation toward city officials for investing resources into transforming a once-outdated green space."I am truly very, very grateful," Bird said. "It was needed. Parks are for families and children and that's how, as a city, we start growing."Ava Bishop, 10, plays on the new swings at Wilbert Street Park in Sandusky on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.