WEIRTON — The Weirton Parks Board continues with plans for a variety of improvement projects, including a proposed third phase of upgrades to the playground at Starvaggi Memorial Park.

During Thursday’s meeting of the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation, Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle reported representatives from Game Time are working on designs for what is expected to be the final phase of upgrades to the playground.

This would follow replacement of the first part of the playground last year, with the second phase completed earlier this year.

Board member Doug Finton expressed some concern, though, about the equipment already installed, saying, while much of it was meant for younger children, teens and others already have damaged some pieces.

“That stuff is brand new,” Finton said.

Shingle said there had been talks about new surveillance equipment, but the cost makes it difficult.

Finton also asked about the hillside located behind the playground, noting mulch and other materials have been known to wash down into the play surface. Shingle said discussions are to either extend the pour-in-place play surface along the hillside, or possibly just plant grass seed up to the fenceline.

In related news, Shingle said the final plans for the replacement of Starvaggi Memorial Pool should be available sometime this week.

“We’ll be able to start with demo, definitely in October if not before,” Shingle said.

Shingle said the new plans will include some fixes for the existing splash pad to provide a better flow of water to the area.

Final designs already are in hand for the planned restroom facility at Marland Heights Park, with Shingle expecting the project to go out for bid in the next couple of weeks.

Shingle also noted work continues on the south wall repair project at the Millsop Community Center, including efforts to reduce disruptions for the swimming pool inside the center.