Monday night, the La Salle City Council unanimously approved a new pathway and resurfacing project that will improve Rotary Park, a 52-acre park north of Rt. 6, just off East 5th Road. The approval included the stipulation that Grove and Brown could add to the project, including a parking lot.
Deputy Clerk Brent Bader said the pathway would start off 2959th Road, which includes the Vermilionvue Subdivision. A parking lot is planned for a few blocks west of the subdivision, with the path ending at the southwestern edge of the lake.
Contractor John Pohar and Sons, La Salle, has donated time and labor to work on the new half-mile pathway to the lake connecting the west side of Rotary Park to the city. The 52-acre park is north of Rt. 6, just off East 5th Road, and Monday night, City Engineer Brian Brown said he has always wanted west access to the park.
A path to the lake is one phase of a multi-phase project, and City Engineer Brian Brown said it was part of his goal to have west access to the park.
“I wanted the property all the way to (Route) 351 as part of the overall plan to get access to the lake and Rotary Park,” Brown said.
La Salle will pay $143,600 for the project; John Pohar and Sons will help offset the cost of the $255,800 project.
“They’ve (John Pohar and Sons) always been very community-minded,” Mayor Jeff Grove said. “People want that kind of activity, biking, walking, jogging. So he sees it as a good opportunity. They basically donated their time for the land work.”
Second Ward Alderman Tom Ptak said a path would allow children to ride their bikes to the park.
“In my opinion, I have wanted this ever since this (project) has been going on,” he said. “I’m a bike rider, so I think this is perfect for us. I like the idea that our local contractors (are) going to help us out. I personally think we would be fools to pass on this.”
The pathway and parking lot will initially be covered with pulverized asphalt grinding, “but it may be paved down the line,” Bader said.
Economic Development Director Curt Bedei said residents wanted community access to the park. About 30 people mentioned Rotary Park access several times during City Strategic Planning meetings.
“We have about 30 people representing the community,” he said. “They were all asking for more trails and more access to Rotary Park that would connect the community to that park area. So, this is something that was certainly on the minds of people attending those sessions.”
The city also unanimously approved a $99,222 resurfacing project for the playground. The ground’s surface has deteriorated over the last 14 years. The city will use astroturf because of better pricing and durability.
Photo – Olivia Doak