By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
The last park forum, focusing on Simpson Garden Park, was packed with people. The most recent park forum, on the future of Carter and Ridge parks, was empty except for City Council member Sandy Rowland.
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley talked about the value of both parks on the east side of the city. Carter Park is frequently busy with baseball and softball games, cross country meets, sand volleyball matches, disc golf players, and groups using the shelter houses.
“That’s used all the time,” Otley said of the disc golf course. “It’s one of the nicer courses in the area. There always seem to be people there.”
“It’s a well-kept secret,” Rowland said.
Though no citizens showed up at last week’s public forum, Dr. Shannon Orr, who is facilitating the park forums, did receive an email request from a parent wanting playground swings and a sand-digger for little kids at Carter Park.
Otley said the sand-diggers are very popular with kids.
“We have to replace those at least once a year,” at City Park, she said.
Work is planned at both east side parks this year. Carter Park is in the process of getting a new, more accessible shelter house. And the newest city park, Ridge Park, will be leveled and reseeded next year to offer a nicer play area and practice spot.
“I think Ridge is getting used. I’m not sure it’s getting the neighborhood use that was intended,” Otley said. But it does provide a place for children to play.
Ridge Park is a point of pride for the East Side, Rowland said.
Three BGSU students were at the forum in order to help record citizen comments. Since there were none, the students shared their problems locating city park sites. There are signs throughout the city about nearby parks – but perhaps not very effective signage.
“A little sign doesn’t get you there,” Rowland said.
The students, Otley, Orr and Rowland talked about “wayfinding,” which examines research on why people get lost, how they react to signage and how those systems can be improved.
Orr and Otley also talked about how to get some of the primary park users more involved in the park discussion process.
That would mean working with kids.
“I’m game. I’m totally game,” Orr said. “It would be super fun.”
Orr and Otley agreed there would need to be multiple meetings – one for young children and one for teenagers. And it was decided that pairing up a meeting with another event – such as a Scout meeting – might be the best way to ensure kids show up.
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department is seeking input from citizens as they prepare their next five-year master plan. Five targeted focus group meetings will be held beginning in October and continuing through March 2020. All meetings will be at 7 p.m. at the Community Center, 1245 W. Newton Road. Free childcare will be provided.
The dates and topics are:
- Oct. 1 – Simpson Garden Park
- Nov. 13 – Carter Park and Ridge Park
- Jan. 13 – Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve
- Feb. 24 – Community Center and all parks and recreation programs and events
- March 31 – City Park and Pool
Anyone not able to make it can send their comments directly to the facilitator, Dr. Shannon Orr at skorr@bgsu.edu . For questions or more information contact the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department at 419-354-6223, or www.bgohio.org (parks and recreation).
