By March 1, City of Blue Ridge officials anticipate both city playgrounds to be operable and open to the public with turf on the ground.
In a special called meeting Monday, December 28, council members, with Robbie Cornelius and Mayor Donna Whitener absent, voted to move forward with a $60,743.75 invoice from City Turf to completely transform the grounds of the two playgrounds.
Councilwoman Rhonda Haight, in her role as mayor pro tem, presided over the meeting in Whitener’s absence.
Presently, the mulch has been removed from the downtown park, and the drainage issue has been resolved.
The mulch was removed by 4-V Ranch, and the drainage work was performed by the city’s street department. Having the Street Department install the drainage saved the city about $20,000, Panter said.
The funds to pay for the project will come from the city’s Hotel/Motel Excise Tax.
“I do believe we have ample funding to do this at this point,” Haight said.
Councilman Mike Panter said that City Turf representatives will be out to inspect the grounds some time this week, and the project should take three weeks to complete.
The work will be completed to comply with state guidelines, and a 15-year warranty will be included, Panter said.
In addition to the turf, shades are to be put up at the downtown playground as nearly $20,000 was donated anonymously for the purpose two years ago.
This matter, and the decision to amend the city's charter to incorporate a city manager form of government, had been previously voted down at a meeting November 24.