SHELBY — Several pieces of Seltzer Park playground equipment haven’t been upgraded since 1965.
On Monday night, the Shelby Park Board discussed what it’ll take to bring a new playground set to the area just off Parkwood Drive — not to be confused with the Playscape near Bradley Avenue.
Board members agreed they’d like to bring improvements to this end of the park for the children and families who visit.
Dave Downs, at-large board member, said the area of Seltzer doesn’t need anything large — but something to compliment the 8,400 square-foot Playscape.
“There’ve been a lot of kids down at that park just in the past couple weeks,” he said.
Parks Superintendent Jerry Marshall added Seltzer’s northern end provides a bit more space for children to play.
“When it gets too crowded at the Playscape they enjoy coming down there,” he said. “It’s more independent down there.”
Looking at all options
Downs has been researching online and pricing different playground sets — which can vary depending on size, among other factors.
Brian Crum, the city’s director of finance and public record, added the base the equipment is secured to can often be as costly as the playground set itself.
The board didn’t name a set budget for the potential purchase — but discussed seeking grant opportunities and possibly community partnerships.
Fourth Ward board member Ralph Rosinsky said getting a plan priced and pieced together will help identify what assistance may be available.
“Once we get an idea of what we’re looking at for cost and installation then at least we can start talking about going out and maybe looking at grants or getting donations,” he said.
Seltzer Pool opening May 25-27
During his park report, Marshall provided information regarding Seltzer Pool’s 2024 season.
Opening weekend will be May 25 to 27 — weather and water temperature permitting. The pool will be closed May 28 to 31.
Seltzer Pool will reopen for the summer on Saturday, June 1. Daily hours for the summer are from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Four swim-lesson sessions will be offered throughout the summer. Two morning sessions will be available July 8 to 12 and July 22 to 26.
Two new evening sessions will take place June 17 to 21 and Aug. 12 to 16. Times for all sessions are to be announced and cost $25 per child, per session.
Marshall said adding evening lessons this season is “kind of an experiment,” but provides an opportunity for the water temperature to rise throughout the day.
The Shelby Foundation will be sponsoring three Family Fun Nights on Sunday, June 30, July 28 and Aug. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Pool passes will be available for pre-sale purchase beginning Sunday, May 19 from noon to 2 p.m. and 6- to 8 p.m. Additional pre-sale dates include May 23 and 24 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The next Shelby Park Board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 13. Meetings take place at the 5 Water St. conference room.