Draft plans for Marland Heights Park unveiled
WEIRTON -- Residents had their first opportunity to see a proposed improvement plan for Marland Heights Park as part of Thursday afternoon's meeting of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation.
The Park Board awarded a contract for "complete services" for the project to PMV/SASI Architect and Engineering, at a cost of $24,100, to develop a design plan and oversee implementation. Officials previously noted the firm was the lone bidder on the project.
As part of Thursday's board meeting, which was attended by approximately 30 residents, as well as members of city council, possible designs, enhancements and costs were showcased in a slideshow in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center.
"This is not a final product," explained board Chair Edwin J. Bowman. "I'm very sure there will be changes, but it gives an idea."
Mark Viola and Mike Thompson presented the designs, which currently are estimated to have a cost of between $1.5 million and $2 million.
"The park is kind of divided," Thompson said, referring to the existing layout, and noting the plan would use those natural divisions to establish areas which would appeal more to various age groups.
The designs include grading of some areas and site utilities at a cost of between $100,000 and $150,000, landscaping and new walkways and surfacing at $52,000 to $85,000, and lighting between $45,000 and $60,000.
The existing miniature golf course could be expanded to an 18-hole course, featuring updated features including sculptures and interactive elements which would be reflective of Weirton's history.
"It would tell the story from generation to generation," Thompson said.
Also proposed would be a memorial, at a cost of between $200,000 to $250,000, built in tribute to the Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Pool, which was demolished in December.
A splash zone would cost between $150,000 and $180,000, which Thompson said would be designed for use throughout the year with the features using play equipment available when the water is not turned on.
The existing playground would be refurbished at a cost between $80,000 and $100,000, with features for use by youth toddler to teenagers.
Alterations are recommended for two pavilions, with the third to be demolished and a new pavilion built. The new pavilion would be available for all seasons, and include public restrooms, an administrative office, a kitchenette and system controls.
A fountain and plaza could be another focal point of the park, at a cost of between $85,000 and $125,000.
For athletic attractions, the designs have recommended updates to the existing tennis courts, a new basketball court, installation of new pickleball courts and renovations to the existing volleyball court.
A dog park also could be built, with an area of land located across Williams Drive from Marland Heights Park being eyed.
"I think that's been a long-time coming," Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso said of the dog park proposal. "Weirton needs at least one, if not two."
Several of the residents in attendance offered suggestions of their own, including a third tennis court, a skating rink, batting cages or a soccer facility and making sure there is still green space available.
Thompson said there are options available for the designs, including not including them to the full scale currently suggested, eliminating some features, or substituting features, as well as taking a phased approach to construction.
Following the presentation, the Park Board agreed to develop a survey which will be made available to residents to obtain additional input.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)