The city of Gary continues to move forward with its jewel parks construction after the council approved the fund’s budget at its Tuesday meeting.
Eight council members voted to approve salary and operating budgets for the city’s jewel parks construction funds and opioid settlement restricted fund. Parliamentarian Linda Barnes Caldwell, D-5th, voted against the budgets, saying she had concerns about a project manager position included in the opioid settlement restricted fund.
The city’s jewel parks are spread throughout Gary, with one in each district. The locations are Glen Ryan Park in the First District; Brunswick Park in the Second District; Tolleston Park in the Third District; Ironwood Park in the Fourth District; Roosevelt Park in the Fifth District; and Howe Park in the Sixth District.
Each of the parks was determined to be a major renovation focus because of activities and recreation for children, according to Post-Tribune archives.
The approved budget allocated more than $755,000 for construction funds this fiscal year. Celita Green, city controller, explained that adjustments were made to align with projected expenses.
Funds will go toward materials, communication and transportation, property insurance, contractual maintenance agreement and equipment repairs, according to budget documents.
The council also approved funds for Gary’s Health and Human Services Department, in which a project manager through the opioid settlement restricted fund will receive a $70,000 salary. The project manager will be a licensed social worker who oversees the health department’s mental health and addiction services program, said Veronica Collins-Ellis, director of the Gary Health Department.
The council approved $339,166 in health funds, including the project manager salary, workmen’s compensation,
Conversations about renovating Gary’s parks have been in progress for more than 15 years, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Each district has received $500,000 to renovate the parks, Charles Prewitt, parks manager, told council members during a March 20 parks, recreation and culture meeting. Renovations are about 60% complete, he said.
Most of the remaining renovations include repaving basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. Prewitt hopes to have all asphalt paving completed by Memorial Day.
Glen Ryan Park has received new signage, a new playground and shelter upgrades, which include a new concrete pad, an electrical system with outlets and picnic tables. Brunswick Park has received new signage and a new playground, and the city also plans to restore the pavilion and shelter.
Tolleston Park has received a new pavilion, signage, shelter and playground area, and Ironwood Park has received sidewalk repairs and a new playground installation.
Roosevelt Park is still in progress, with a tennis court being converted into a roller rink, astro turf replacement at the pool area, new ADA entrances, decorative lightpoles in the center of new picnic tables and basketball court resurfacing and paving. Howe Park has received new concrete in its shelter areas, pavilion renovations and a new playground area.
