Hatfield parks may receive new names

Talk about it

The New Richmond Parks Committee is seeking input on possible new names for several of its parks.

At its meeting April 25, the committee members reported that people are confused when attending youth sports games or other events at Hatfield Park and Hatfield Lake Regional Park.

Parks and Recreation Director Joe Kerlin suggested that the two parks, which each border Hatfield Lake, are not connected in any way. People assume they can get from one side of the lake to the other by car, but they can’t.

Kerlin suggested that the city consider naming the park with the softball field complex as East Hatfield and the newer park with soccer fields and trails as West Hatfield. He also thought Hatfield Lake Regional Park could be renamed “Lakeview Park” to help with the confusion.

Signs could then be installed along Highway 64 to direct people to the appropriate park, Kerlin noted.

Committee Chairman Jim Zajkowski asked that the idea be tabled so that people in the community can offer their suggestions for new names. The topic will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

In other business:

* Christine Melby with Messes and Masterpieces was given the go-ahead to seek sponsors for a “Mound Monster” art project in three sites across the community. The project is slated to begin May 18 and the monsters will be created in Mary Park, Glover Park and Paperjack Greenway.

* The 100th anniversary of Glover Park (next to Friday Memorial Library) will be celebrated in 2013. The committee will explore different ideas for how to celebrate.

* The committee tabled action on a proposal to ban smoking in city parks. Parks and Recreation Director Joe Kerlin said discarded cigarette butts can be found at various locations in city parks, especially in Mary Park.

“It’s basically an ash tray off the basketball courts at Mary Park,” he said. “There are butts everywhere. It’s disturbing.”

Committee member Susie Van Blaircom said its common practice in some communities to ban smoking in parks, but the challenge is enforcing such an ordinance.

They agreed to continue discussing the idea at a future meeting.

Tags: local government, new richmond, outdoors