By Michael Howell
Since the uproar over the proposed plan to install a disc golf course at Hieronymus Park, the Hamilton City Council has stepped back and is trying to take a look at the big picture and review its Master Park Plan. At the last Committee of the Whole meeting on May 8, more issues were raised about Hieronymus Park. Former council member Nancy Valk asked them to review their mowing policy.
Valk stated that the area being mowed at Hieronymus Park was steadily growing and she worried that it did not fit the purpose of the park. She was particularly disturbed by the complete mowing of the peninsula of land that sticks out into the water.
“Essentially you are mowing over geese habitat,” said Valk. She said the master plan called for preserving the park in a “primitive” condition. She said the trails should not be mowed nor should the island or other large stretches of land.
Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf said that Public Works Director Donnie Ramer told him a lot of the increased mowing was being done to improve access to the park.
Valk said that the park has designated access points in the park plan. She said the rest of those areas should accommodate wildlife such as geese which like to nest along the banks.
The Mayor also mentioned the picnic tables and benches at the peninsula and said there were concerns about the people using the picnic tables disturbing the geese while they are nesting. He said Fish, Wildlife and Parks was being consulted about the potential need to move the geese.
Valk said the picnic tables should be moved, not the geese.
The Mayor said that plans for mowing the peninsula were being put on hold until the matter was given more consideration.
There was also some discussion about the dog poop situation, which everyone agreed was a problem. Adding more trash cans and bag dispensers for dog owners to use was discussed.
The Committee of the Whole also heard from some pickle ball advocates who are looking for a spot to develop a pickle ball court, possibly in a city park.
Lindsey Wilkins told the committee that interest in a pickle ball court was still strong. She came with no proposal but was willing to brainstorm some ideas, she said. Two pickle ball courts occupy the space of about one tennis court. The cost of constructing two courts was estimated at about $30,000. She said it was a true family sport that any age could participate in and suggested that the city might pay half the cost with the other half generated through fund raisers.
From there the conversation took a turn towards a larger review of all the parks and the Master Plan. Special Projects Director Dennis Stranger said that prioritization of the implementation plans should be done as part of the Capital Improvement Plan for the parks.
It was decided that they would focus on ideas about wildlife protection, form an implementation plan for improvements considering their relevancy and feasibility, and consider things not in the plan such as a pickle ball court.
At the next COW meeting they intend to focus on Claudia Driscoll Park, tennis courts, and a complete Master Plan review.