Thanks to the funding from a Community Development Block Grant the Mayor and Council announced recently that funding will be used to upgrade several local park and recreation facilities to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We are making improvements and increasing access to our outdoor recreation facilities, hoping to raise awareness and improve the appreciation of our natural resources for our residents,” said Mayor Bill Gotto.
The grant will help with improvements to Deerwood Park, Soldier Memorial Park, the Howell Central Little League Park, the township’s Pop Warner field, Oak Glen Park, Hoffman Field, and the North Howell Little League Park. Work will include new paths with ADA compliant striping and signage, paving, and wheelchair ramps.
Deputy Mayor Rob Nicastro said the projects will help make the parks more available to residents all over the town. “We want all residents to be able to enjoy our parks as well as make them safer and easily accessible,” he said. “Our parks are a great opportunity for everyone to experience nature and participate in the many benefits our parks have to offer.”
The grant is just one part of the council and administration’s work in improving recreational areas in Howell. The Open Space and Recreation Plan is also being reviewed by the Master Plan Committee. Through this effort the administration is looking at other ways to improve township parks and open space areas to make them enjoyable for all residents while maintaining their natural characteristics and beauty.
Mayor Gotto credited Director of Community Development Jim Herrman and other volunteers in the CDBG program who have worked over the years to work on other repairs and upgrades throughout the township calling the parks “one of our most treasured and valuable resources.