Changes coming to Riverside Park

The Riverside Town Council tackled projects for Rick Martin Memorial Park at their August 12 meeting.

The discussion began as Makenzie Rakness introduced playground equipment plans, complete with pricing options, to Mayor Leroy Stephenson and fellow council members. The plans included images of different setup options of new play equipment.

The playground equipment ranged in price from $28,000 to $50,000 with council members debating what the surface of the play area will be. From wood chips to gravel and sand many options were provided and discussed. The option of rubber turfing was highlighted in regards to accessibility and low maintenance, but would initially provide a higher cost. The cost of installation and setup associated with the equipment and surrounding play area was also discussed.

Along with new play equipment, new bathrooms were discussed along with other updates. These updates included new “virtually maintenance free” benches and basketball backboards. Riverside Town Council doesn’t appear to plan to neglect any current park equipment with a merry go round inspection and yellow slide repair approaching.

Next on the agenda, Riverside also may see new public art coming. Stacy Crimmins represented the Platte Valley Arts Council Thursday evening at multiple town councils. The arts council is looking for letters of support to acquire grants for their Public Art Project which aims to bring murals and sculptures to the Valley. Locations of and artists for the art installations have not been solidified yet.

Councilmember Ed Golden suggested an installation near or about the Smelter due to its historic significance to the area.

Finally, preparations are wrapped up for the Riverside Town Party on August 21. Food begins at 4pm and music starts at 5pm. Saratoga Sandwich Company will be catering the event. Though many events will be happening in the Valley the same day Riverside Town Council is prepared for any number of people.

The next Riverside town council meeting will be at 6:00pm on September 9 at Riverside Town Hall.