COMMISSIONERS
The tenacity of Haddock residents concerned about their community’s playground paid off with funds for more equipment in the county budget and a meeting in the park with commissioners.
The Nov. 13 community meeting in Haddock Park was for the purpose for getting input from residents for the best use of the $75,000 set aside for equipment for the playground.
Jones County Commission Chairman Chris Weidner welcomed residents to the meeting, and the district’s commissioner, John Wood, talked about the playground equipment survey for residents distributed to attendees.
Parks and Recreation Director Bert Rosenberger said Haddock Park is already a good park, and he looks forward to enhancing it. The park has a pavilion, three playground areas, a bathroom, basketball court and paved walking track.
The residents attending the meeting stated the park is well kept.
Rosenberger said the survey has 10 items of playground equipment listed and asked the attendees to rank the equipment with number one being the most preferred.
“We want your feedback,” he said.
The director said, once the surveys are returned, lists will be compiled according to what is wanted. He said that information will be developed into an RFP that will be put out for bid to vendors.
He estimated the RFPs would go out in January and bids returned in February. From there, the bids will go to commissioners for their decision.
“We hope to start construction of the new equipment in the spring,” Rosenberger said. Evelyn Hill, who is one of the residents who asked board members for more playground equipment, said she would like to see more equipment for smaller children.
Rosenberger said he wants input from everyone.
“We need you to tell us what you want, and we will chip away at it,” he said.
Weidner said the Inclusive Playground at the Morris Bank Complex was mostly funded from private donations. He pointed out Jones County churches came together and constructed the special needs bathroom.
The chairman suggested that some Haddock residents may want to donate benches in honor or memory of loved ones or work on local businesses to sponsor more items.
Rosenberger again stated that people speaking out makes a difference.
“We are here because some of your residents came to the commissioners asking for help,” he added.
Haddock residents who want copies of the survey can pick them up at the information desk of the Government Center. The deadline to turn in the survey is Nov. 30.
