Crews Dig Into Pulaski Playground Upgrades in South Wheeling
Eric Ayres Work is underway in South Wheeling to bring major renovations to the playground at Pulaski Field.
City crews last week began site preparations at the playground, clearing the surface and preparing the property for the private contractor. Early this month, members of Wheeling City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the expenditure of $260,150 with Savage Construction Company to perform the playground upgrades.
Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron recently said the initial site preparation is being performed by personnel from the city of Wheeling, and the park will remain closed until further notice while renovations continue.
"City crews are removing all equipment and mulch in preparation for Savage to construct the playground project," Herron said. "It is work that our crews can perform and save money to put toward a general contract for the playground construction."
Funding for the playground upgrade at Pulaski Field -- also known as Pulaski Park or Pulaski Playground -- is being paid through a combination of sources. A $118,115 charge will be to the city's Community Development Block Grant fund for recreational improvements, and a $142,035 charge will be to the city's American Rescue Plan Act fund.
New playground equipment and safety features are part of the contract, city officials previously noted, explaining that the resurfacing on the basketball court is part of another project fund.
Residents of South Wheeling in the summer of 2022 approached city council to request upgrades to the facility, which had fallen into disrepair in recent years.
Pulaski Field is located in the south end of the city between 46th and 47th streets and Jacob and McColloch streets, just north of Benwood.
"The city of Wheeling has made parks and recreation a priority, and these new improvements to Pulaski Park represent a key investment in one of our most significant neighborhoods," Ward 3 Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum, who represents the South Wheeling neighborhood, said. "I'm grateful to (Wheeling Director of Parks and Recreation) Rochelle Barry, the South Wheeling Elks Lodge and numerous community members for identifying opportunities to improve the quality of life for South Wheeling neighborhood kids and families."