Trending
SALEM -- Visitors to Centennial Park and Waterworth Memorial Park may have the opportunity to grab a good book to read right there in the near future.
Kaitlynn Haas, a scout with Troop 2003 in Salem, presented her idea to construct two little lending libraries to Salem Parks Commission members last week. One would be placed in each park.
"I think it's a wonderful idea," commission Vice Chair Lucille Karnofel said.
Haas is seeking to earn her Eagle Scout with the project.
The idea behind the lending library is sort of an exchange for people to take books and leave books. Haas will ask for donations, but still needs to get approvals from troop and scout officials.
The lending library resembles a bird house, but for books.
Parks Director Shane Franks also said it's a great project. Commission Chair John Panezott spoke highly of what the local scouting projects do for the parks. There have been many over the years, which have all helped enhance the park properties.
Commission members voted in favor of allowing the project by Haas.
In other business, the commission agreed to pay $2,500 to Joe Colian for the removal of trees at Kelley Park that are dead and near the bleacher area.
Commissioners also agreed with the cost of $1,500 for licensing fees to show five movies this summer at Waterworth Memorial Park at the band shell. The parks department had been excited about showing movies last year after getting the projector, but then COVID-19 hit and only one movie was shown.
Regarding some recent police reports for incidents in the parks, Franks expressed his appreciation for the people reporting what they're seeing to police, such as a recent incident of loud inappropriate music at a basketball court.
"Thank you to whoever is making those phone calls," he said, adding he's glad people are taking the initiative to call when they see park policy being broken.
"The parks certainly want to limit and control the inappropriate behavior," he said.
He noted that the flag pole and benches have been installed for the Memorial Garden by Stark Memorial near the liberty bell on bell island along the Park Avenue entrance to Centennial Park.
Parks Foreman Jim Grimm talked about completion of the dock project at Salem Lake, work on the ball fields, cleaning up of flower beds, opening of restrooms and other maintenance work. He estimated the water to pavilions may be turned on in a few weeks once the weather stays warmer.
Recreation Supervisor Amber Smith announced some upcoming events, including the Easter Egg Hunt set for 11 a.m. Saturday, co-sponsored with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Stouffer Realty at Waterworth Memorial Park for ages 10 and under. Masks must be worn and social distancing observed. There were a couple groups of volunteers who help pack eggs with candy this year.
A virtual Go Wild in the Park program on habitat needs of wildlife will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday via Zoom. To attend, register at the library at 330-332-0042 or the park office at 330-271-8913.
The next parks commission meeting will be 5 p.m. April 28.
mgreier@salemnews.net