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First-of-its-kind Fitness Court proposed for Lincoln Park
METROPOLIS, Ill. — Following a 15-minute discussion, the Metropolis City Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee voted to table a decision concerning the outdoor Fitness Court grant received from the National Fitness Campaign and Southern Seven Health Department.
The discussion took place prior to the Monday, Jan. 12, city council meeting.
Mayor Gregg Jeffords informed the council that three of the Blue Cross Blue Shield grants were secured for the Southern 7 region. He emphasized that the department would like one to come to Metropolis.
The total project cost is $232,000, making the city’s portion $182,000 with the $50,000 grant. Jeffords said the city’s portion would have to come from the general funds. Parks and Rec Committee chairwoman Michele Longworth, Ward 1, said she’s received commitments from three businesses and two individuals for donations toward the project after sending out letter about the grant last week.
“I’m excited about it because that would help kick off renovation of Lincoln Park,” Longworth said.
Council members discussed that while Lincoln Park would be a location, they also suggested other parks, especially those where tax increment financing could assist with the court’s cost. Jeffords noted that one of the grant’s stipulations is the court cannot be located less than 150 feet from a playground area.
Jeffords noted that while a decision is not needed immediately, it is needed soon.
He has a meeting scheduled in a couple of weeks to further discuss the grant with Southern 7 officials. Parks and Rec Committee members — Longworth; Chuck Short, Ward 1; Al Wagner, Ward 3; and Jeremy Holley, Ward 4 — voted to table their recommendation to the full council until after that meeting, allowing Jeffords to come back with more information.
