South Wheeling Residents Feeling Left out of Playground Upgrades
Eric Ayres Trending
WHEELING -- Residents of South Wheeling would love to see an investment in their neighborhood playground similar to the sizable one that’s being made to the Edgington Lane Playground -- or at least some semblance of support for the city-owned outdoor recreational facility there.
Located just one block north of Benwood in the southernmost riverside section of Wheeling, the park to some may seem like a nameless green square at the bottom of the city map. While several parks and playgrounds operated by the city of Wheeling have seen significant investments in recent years, Pulaski Park -- also known as Pulaski Playground or Pulaski Field -- has apparently found a spot near the bottom of that coveted list, as well.
Pulaski Park’s lingering need for some upgrades has sparked a grassroots effort among South Wheeling residents and organizations to get something done about it -- and city leaders appear to be on board.
During the most recent meeting of Wheeling City Council, Martin Kimble of Elks Lodge 28 in South Wheeling spoke to city leaders during the mayor’s report to provide background about the effort to bring improvements to Pulaski Park.
"We do have a vested interest in the development of that particular piece of property," Kimble said, noting that the Elks Lodge is located directly across 47th Street from the park. "The Elks Lodge has already donated thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours in labor to the improvement of the Pulaski Playground, and we have much more planned.
"That is one of our missions -- to aid and guide our youth."
Kimble said major improvements are planned at the park, which houses a sometimes busy baseball field, two tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground.
"Recreation is a vital component to both physical and mental development of young children," Kimble said, noting that "much-needed improvements" have been taking place at Wheeling recreational facilities over the past several years. "Pulaski Playground, however, is sadly one of the last to finally receive the attention it deserves. The South Wheeling area often gets overlooked by many when it comes to change and required funding."
Citizens of South Wheeling have been working with members of the city staff and the city recreation department for plans for renovation, according to Kimble, who added that Wheeling Parks and Recreation Director Rochelle Berry has been "very receptive" to the plans taking shape for the facility that is nestled between 46th and 47th streets and Jacob and McColloch streets.
The equipment and facilities at Pulaski Field are dated and in need of replacement, Kimble said. Plans also have proposed construction of a new shelter at the site. Kimble said the citizens of South Wheeling would like to see an investment like the one being made to the Edgington Lane Playground, a project with a $500,000 budget that is expected to be out to bid this week.
"That would buy a lot," Kimble said.
Officials noted that new playground equipment is very expensive. However, officials are finding ways to bring different channels of funding to other area parks and playgrounds.
"Plans currently consist of spending $68,000," Kimble told city leaders. "Pulaski Playground should be a first-rate facility. That takes funding, and we recognize that money is not unlimited, but we believe that sufficient monies are available. Rest assured, it will be money well spent. This will be an investment in the people not only of South Wheeling, but of the entire city. Improving the quality of life for your citizens is never a wrong decision to make."
Kimble urged city officials to come down to South Wheeling and take a first-hand look to see changes needed at the site and possibilities for improvements. He urged council to commit funding for improvements there.
"We have invested a lot of money into really bringing our parks and playgrounds up to top-notch condition," Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott said. "This is one of the big playground installations and park installations still hanging out there, and I do want to see it brought to completion. It’s certainly deserving. We’ll figure out a way to get funding to where it needs to be, because it’s a great installation right there in the southernmost tip of the city."