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We're sure word of a comprehensive plan for improvements at Marland Heights Park were met with enthusiasm from residents when it was announced last week.
While the plan is at a slightly reduced scope of what previously had been proposed by PMV Architects earlier this year, and certainly doesn't include every suggestion made by residents, it certainly will make a difference…once it is all complete.
As with anything, that is still the big question over this project.
Park officials hope to begin the first phase in the spring, with the plan handed out during last week's Park Board meeting noting Phase 1 is fully funded using American Rescue Plan Act funds and projected to cost between $430,000 and $600,000.
City Council previously agreed to set aside $1.5 million of its ARPA funds to assist with park improvement projects. That certainly will be a big help for some of the work at Marland Heights, but we can't forget there are other projects in the mix, including the replacement of the vessel at Starvaggi Memorial Pool, the south wall at the Millsop Community Center and completing the paving of the Panhandle Rail Trail, and final costs are unknown there.
There also are two other phases of work at Marland Heights Park currently unfunded, with Phase 2 estimated to cost between $485,000 and $625,000 and Phase 3 at $175,000 to $310,000. The Park Board feels they can take care of some of those costs, but assistance will be needed for a lot of it.
Whether that comes in the form of donations from residents, grants from various charitable organizations or governmental entities or other sources is yet unknown. But it will take time.
It is good to see these plans moving forward. Investment has been needed at Marland Heights, and other Weirton park facilities, for years.
We know, however, it will not be a quick project, and urge everyone to practice patience.