Major Upgrades Coming to Edgington Lane Playground
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WHEELING -- After many years in the planning stages, the Edginton Lane Playground project is ready to move forward in the city of Wheeling, which is committing a big chunk of federal and local dollars toward a major upgrade to the neighborhood recreational facility.
Members of Wheeling City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to approve an ordinance authorizing City Manager Robert Herron to spend $538,550 with Savage Construction of Wheeling for the Edgington Lane Park Improvement Project.
"Edgington Lane is one of the most frequently used playgrounds in the city, and after years of planning and patience, we're finally ready to start engineering and construction," Ward 5 Councilman Ty Thorngate said. "Thanks to federal grants and a donation from a local organization, the city has the ability to deliver a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose park that can be enjoyed by children, parents and grandparents."
The cost of the park and playground overhaul is being paid through multiple sources, including a $280,120 Land and Water Conservation grant, a $100,000 Community Foundation grant and a $158,380 contribution from the city through its Project Fund.
"I couldn't be more excited for the future of Edgington Lane Park and the opportunities it's going to bring for all of Ward 5," Thorngate said.
In its present state, the park offers a basketball court, a tennis court and some playground equipment. All of the current equipment and the courts are antiquated and in need of replacement, city leaders noted.
Plans for the park call for the replacement of both courts. The new basketball court will be a Euro-style, multi-use court. The new tennis court will also be a multi-use surface for both tennis and pickleball. There will be all new playground equipment, seating areas, shaded areas, landscaping, modern playground surfaces and more.
"The renovation of the Edgington Lane Playground has been in the works for years," Wheeling Vice Mayor Chad Thalman said. "I appreciate everyone's hard work to make this happen, and I'm grateful for the patience of the residents in that neighborhood. I'm excited to see this project move forward."
Residents of all ages in Edgwood and Woodsdale often utilize the park and will be thrilled with the planned upgrades, officials said. Wheeling city leaders in recent years have made bringing needed upgrades to city parks and playgrounds a priority when it comes to community investments for the future.
"The money city council is allocating for the Edgington Lane Park Improvement Project is a generational investment in one of Woodsdale's most well-used playgrounds and a further example of my commitment to ensure the Friendly City continues to provide the high quality of life our residents deserve," said Ward 4 Councilman Jerry Sklavounakis. "After construction, the Edginton Lane playground will be enjoyed by our community for many years to come."