WEC, city staff improve McCook's community parks

While we were wintering, vigorous improvement efforts were taking place at McCook's parks and playgrounds.

"It's been one of the most active winters of work since I've been in McCook," said Marty Conroy, the city's director of public works.

A series of developments contributed to the burst of activity.

One of the big things was the help of the men and women from the Work Ethic Camp. "Their work has made a tremendous difference," Conroy said. "They have worked more than a thousand hours, trimming trees, clearing underbrush and hauling away tree debris."

At Barnett Park, the Work Ethic crews cut deep into the underbrush, clearing away dead trees and bushes.

Meanwhile, city crews were focusing their attention on the ball fields, completing a series of changes made possible by sales tax receipts."We installed new backstops at Felling Field and the Jaycee Compex and we made changes in seating at Legion Field," Conroy said.

The seating changes -- suggested by College Coach Jon Olsen -- will give fans a close-up view of baseball action. "We moved the bleachers in about 12 feet, putting the seats right next to the screen. Fans will be able to see the stitches on the umpire's jeans," Conroy said.

More changes are coming.

The McCook Parks Advisory Board -- which will meet Thursday at noon -- is taking steps to develop a master plan for a walking trail.

Thanks in large part to the leadership of the Rotary Club, a walking trail has been in use in McCook for a number of years. The trail stretches from Karrer Park on the east to the 2000 block of Norris Park on the west, a distance of about 2 3/4 miles.

Known as the Kelley Creek Walking Trail, the scenic route may soon be further enhanced. There is talk of paving the trail, making it wide enough for a two-way flow of walkers, bikers, roller-bladers and parents pushing strollers.

Also in the works are improvements at the swimming pool. It's now likely that work on the bathhouse will begin following the completion of the 2002 swimming season in September.

The pool ... the walking trail ... the parks ... and the ball fields. All are important parts of our enjoyment of the good life in McCook, Nebraska.

But it's good to see we are not resting on our laurels. Improvements are needed to keep our parks and playgrounds in tip-top condition.

The parks advisory board is to be congratulated for taking a leading role. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the city staff for the improvement projects they completed during the winter months.

As a community, we are also indebted to the crews from the Work Ethic Camp, whose efforts improved both the appearance and use potential of the city parks.

They've done their part. Now it's our turn. Let's enjoy the parks.

There are so many possibilities: rest, relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation. And -- best of all -- the parks are only minutes away. The good life awaits.