Plans for Five City Parks
By JOE POTTER
Gail K. Hamilton, director of the Community Redevelopment Agency (C.R.A.), told Zephyrhills City Council members on Oct. 27 that new playground equipment would be installed in five of the City’s parks during the second week in December.
The cost of the new playground equipment is not to exceed the total amount of $2,145,661.81. The new equipment will be installed at Veterans Memorial Park, Gunner Paw Park, Ellis Harrold Park, Train Depot Park, and Shepard Park.
Shane LeBlanc, the City’s Public Works Director, previously told Council members that much of the existing playground equipment at those parks is outdated and parts are no longer accessible. The new equipment will be ADA accessible, LeBlanc previously said.
Zephyrhills City Council members also learned during their meeting on Oct. 27 that the Echebucsassa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution hadn’t received an America’s 250 Grant for $40,000 that it had applied for to make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park located on Third Avenue just east of 20th Street.
Marie Wunderlich, the D.A.R. Chapter’s Regent, had previously told Council members that her non-profit organization would like to be able to install eight benches for all branches of services, as well as a Revolutionary Patriots bench at Veterans Memorial Park.
The D.A.R. also wanted to construct a permanent U.S. Flag Retirement burn pit that could be used for the retirement of U.S. Flags that were soiled, stained, or torn beyond repair, according to Wunderlich.
“The Echebucsassa has received approval for the planting of a Liberty Tree at Veterans Memorial Park, but cannot move forward as the city planners are working on their design and facilities planning. We are hoping they will incorporate a U.S. Flag Retirement burn pit in their design. The focus will not be on America’s 250 birthday celebration, but much-needed improvements to the park for the entire community to enjoy,” Wunderlich said later.
