Weirton Parks keeps focus on improvements, security
Trending
WEIRTON - The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation is hoping to increase its security for at least two of its recreational areas.
For several months, the Park Board has discussed the possibility of installing cameras at Starvaggi Memorial Park and Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Park, citing various instances of vandalism at the properties, including destruction of playground equipment.
Executive Director Coty Shingle has been reviewing options for possibly establishing a camera system, with the intention to submit a proposal to Weirton Council to potentially use a portion of the city’s opioid settlement funds to cover the expense.
"I have a price," Shingle said. "I’m going to submit an application, and see what we can get."
Shingle said his preference for a system, if funding is available, would be to have remote access, helping to ensure city parks staff would be able to view the camera feeds at any point.
"If something’s going on, they can see it on their phone," Shingle explained.
In related matters, board member Doug Finton asked about a timeline for fixing or replacing some of the playground equipment at Starvaggi Park.
The playground has been in a phased replacement over the last three years, but has had some of the smaller components, designed for use by younger children, destroyed on multiple occasions. Support for the effort comes from the J.C. Williams Foundation, the Starvaggi Memorial Park Civic Association, City of Weirton, Starvaggi Charities, Harold and Dolores Wolfe Charitable Trust, Hancock County Savings Bank, and the Park Board itself.
Shingle said he is working with the company who performed the renovations to get replacements for the pieces, which currently remain under warranty. He said it just takes time.
Parks staff continue to work on a variety of other improvement projects within their system, with the replacement of a fence at the Aaron Davies Memorial Playground now under say, and patching on the courts at the Woodland Estates Playground also in process.
Some court repair efforts also are in the works at Starvaggi Memorial Park, Shingle noted.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)