WRIGHT TWP. – Members of the municipal park master plan committee recently heard a report from its consultant on the results of a recently completed online survey aimed at determining how the park is currently used and how people who responded would like to see improved.
Paul Bechtel, project manager for Thomas J. McLane and Associates, the Scranton firm hired to help the committee develop the master plan, reported 1,271 people completed the survey.
A majority of those who responded said when they go to the park, it’s to use its playgrounds.
The environmental scientist told committee members that 752 of those who completed the survey, just about 60%, said playgrounds are what attract them to the park. About 43% (542) said they use the park’s trail for hiking and walking. Basketball, dog walking, general health and wellness, and use of the splash pad were among the other reasons often cited, Bechtel reported. About 20% (263) of the respondents said they use the dog park and 16% (216) listed the ice/roller rink.
By far, the improvement most often cited as needed for the park (648 people) was better restrooms. Interestingly, the committee appointed by the township to make recommendations on how to spend its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money, recommended the township use some of the money for new park restrooms. A new splash pad and a sledding hill were just about tied for second in suggested improvements. While the park has a splash pad, it’s been out of commission for most of the last two summers. Park foreman Matt Howton has reported parts to repair the splash pad no longer are available.
Other areas needing improvement, as shown in the survey, include the ice rink/roller rink, the multi-purpose field, toddler playground area, picnic area and grills, parking and ADA accessibility. Among the suggested additions to the park were mountain bike trails, pickleball courts, a skate park, theater/stage and a swimming pool.
While most people who responded said playgrounds are what bring them to the park, many said a big reason they don’t use it is because it lacks equipment that is safe for toddlers. They also pointed out other parks have better facilities and are safer for young children and the park is not ADA accessible for those in wheelchairs.
Other reasons cited for not using the park included the splash pad never works; and safety concerns due to vehicles speeding on the park road which goes through the center of the park.
The township received a $685,984 to widen heavily traveled Park Road which will include a new bike lane, addition of curbs and a sidewalk, stormwater improvements, removal of trees and resurfacing the road and installing pavement markings. Design and engineering work for the project is underway.
Also, last year, the township installed new, more modern and safer playground equipment with a safety surface in the area used most often by children ages 6 through 12. The $60,000 project received funding through a state Department of Community and Natural Resources grant.
Popular special events at the park include the July 4 fireworks, Kiwanis Movies in the Park, Easter egg hunt, car shows and cruises. Suggested events include food vendors, craft fairs, antique and flea markets, arts and cultural events, farmers’ market, beer and wine festivals.
The park’s infrastructure, safety and ADA concerns should be a priority, the consultant suggested.
“In my opinion and based on review of the survey results, the township’s main improvement goals should be park infrastructure to address parking, safety and ADA accessibility, strategic upgrades to park facilities with a focus on a more inclusive, accessible, and safe playground for all ages, and park programming to increase events and experiences within the park,”
The master plan development is funded by a $19,000 grant from DCNR under its Community Recreation and Conservation Planning program. There is a 50 percent township match.
The next step will be interviews with key people in the community who may have a specific insight into the needs of the park such as school and daycare officials.
