Village of Avon discusses condition of parks

AVON — The Avon Village Board hosted an informational meeting, Monday, to discuss the public parks located within the village.

The meeting was organized to respond to a survey put out by the parks commission last June, as well as was to gain more feedback from meeting attendee’s on what the park service is doing well and what could be improved.

“We want to ensure Avon can continue to grow and be vibrant,” stated Avon Mayor Tom Freeman, who introduced commission chairman John Marks.

The survey, of which 260 residents responded, came back with an ultimately positive response from the community. Respondents stated the parks were clean and well maintained, diverse and accessible. The survey results showed that people want the parks as a higher priority, said Marks, but were understanding of budget constraints.

Things that need improvement, the results stated, were bathrooms at the Driving Park, as well as expanded parking. One of the top items to be improved is the playground at the park, said Marks, of which the commission is actively working on. The yearly budget for the parks commission is roughly $24,000, said Marks, and is used mostly for basic maintenance and supplies.

Members of the Avon Lions and Lionesses were also in attendance, to be recognized for a considerable donation of a gazebo addition to Case Park. The members were awarded by a plaque by Mayer Freeman to commemorate the donation.

Avon is home to more than 90 acres of public park land, of which just about all of it was donated. The village holds five parks which are rich in history and are open to the public, as well as Paper Mill park which is located outside of the village.

The Driving Park is the largest park, consisting of 65 acres of park land. The park is made up of two donations of land, the first 35 acres of the driving park was donated in 1966, the rest which is referred to as Wadsworth park was donated in 1971.

The Five Arch Bridge park is the second largest, containing 29 acres of land donated in 1971. This is also a national and historical site.

The Circle Park, consisting of two acres, is the villages oldest park and has been a community gathering place since the early 1800’s, said Marks. Case Park is made up of four acres and is located at the ends of Reed Street and High Street. Csapo Park is a two acre park next to the Avon Central Schools, and links neighborhoods to the schools.

For information or to give comments regarding the parks, visit the Village website.