The Chehalis City Council on Monday decided not to fund improvements to Westside Park, with members instead noting such funding should be provided by the Chehalis Foundation.
Chehalis Facilities Manager Andrew Hunziker brought the proposal for funding for a new playground and other improvements at the city’s Westside Park using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds during Monday’s regular meeting of the council.
Westside Park was originally built in 1894 as the playground for the Westside School, which served the Chehalis community until it was damaged in an earthquake in 1949. It is one of six parks owned by the City of Chehalis.
A group called Friends of Westside Park has held meetings with the city over the past couple of years as it plans to revitalize the space, which is located off of Northwest West Street.
“Over the years, play equipment has been removed and nothing’s been put back. A lot of that was due to lack of funding and not a lot of money for parks,” Hunziker said.
New fencing is also needed due to safety concerns sprouting from speeding cars on the surrounding roads, according to Hunziker. Parking was another issue as there is a lack of Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant spaces.
Ultimately, the entire project would cost an estimated $115,000.
Councilor Isaac Pope was opposed to using ARPA funds to build the new playground.
“A few years ago I created the (Chehalis) Foundation to do exactly what you’re asking us to do,” Pope said.
He said the ARPA funds are needed to purchase new equipment for the city, including a new fire truck. Councilor Daryl Lund agreed with Pope that the Chehalis Foundation should be the entity funding the Westside Park project.
However, Councilors Jerry Lord and Kevin Carns both voiced support for the city funding the project.
“I’d like to see something done. I almost bought a house next to that park two years ago, my kids spent two minutes on that playground and said ‘no,’” Carns said.
Ultimately, the council made no motion and the proposal died. Talks of meeting with the Chehalis Foundation and Friends of the Westside Park to further discuss funding and possibly enter a funding agreement to pay for the playground without using ARPA funds were suggested.
“It sounds like a lot of money, but it’s not, right? If we brought a little more money to the table, the Friends of the Westside could manage that and the Foundation could manage that, we can get the park and still preserve most of that (ARPA) money for the fire truck,” Carns said.
City Manager Jill Anderson said the issue would be brought up at upcoming parks and budget committee meetings.
Friends of Westside Park is looking for volunteers, donors and sponsors.
Find them at Friends of Westside Park on Facebook or contact them via email at friendsofwestsidepark@gmail.com.
