Board OKs design plans for new park

Plans are moving forward for Fredonia to have a new park after the Village Board approved initial design plans at its June 7 meeting.

A lot for the future park is west of the post office between Fredonia Avenue and Regal Drive. The land is less than one acre and is home to Fredonia’s ice rink, but the rink will be moved to Stoney Creek Park later this year.

According to preliminary plans, a focal point of the park will be a 50-foot gazebo with shade sails and a children’s play area. The park would be shaded with crabapple and evergreen trees along with hosta and perennial gardens.

There will be a switchback path from Fredonia Avenue that leads into the park. 

Trustee Jill Bertram, the chairman of the village’s Parks and Recreation Committee, said the project would be completed in several phases and is expected to take five years to help reduce annual costs. 

“We want to get this started because it’s going to take awhile,” Bertram said.

During the board meeting, trustees agreed to have Director of Public Works Roger Strohm begin the bidding process for the initial phase, which includes construction of the gazebo and concrete work to install the gazebo foundation and several paths.

Strohm said the cost of the gazebo is approximately $80,000 and the concrete work will cost $15,000. When the park is completed, he said, the total cost should not exceed $200,000.

Strohm said the village will pay for the project through its general fund balance. 

Work on the first phase is expected to begin in August and should be done by the end of September.

“It would be really nice to see kids playing in the park this year before it gets cold,” Bertram said.

The Parks and Recreation Committee is seeking funds to support other amenities for the project. Committee members suggested residents and businesses could donate to the park by having their names etched in paving stones or sponsoring a memorial tree fund.

“Extra donations will give us a chance to get a few things that may cost more,” Bertram said.

The committee hasn’t determined a name for the park but is considering options based on community input.

“We want this park to be an ideal place to host events like a farmers market and draw people to our community,” Bertram said.