Mapleton council to check property owners about trail extension

by David Meyer

MAPLETON TWP.

Council here will consider an expansion of the walking trail that runs through Drayton and will try to make sure property owners are well aware of the proposal.

The township’s parks and recreation committee was told by councillor Jim Curry that he had been approached by some people who would like to see the walking trail expanded.

It currently ends in Drayton and those citizens would like to see it run through private property to the 8th Line.

The committee recognized that will require agreements with private property owners and the township to ensure liability coverage.

It recommended the individuals seeking the extension talk with the property owners and then report the results of those talks.

Council agreed with that recommendation.

JULY 1 BUDGET

Council supported a proposal from the parks and recreation committee to strike a special committee to oversee the annual July 1 celebrations in Mapleton.

The recreation committee also sought a budget from the township of $2,000.

Council on Oct. 11 had no problem with striking a committee but it did have some concerns about giving an immediate okay to a grant.

It approved the committee’s request, but stated it would consider the grant request during its 2012 budget process.

NEW EQUIPMENT

The committee is also concerned about adding new and better equipment to various parks in the township.

In particular, it heard a delegation from Ed Meulenbelt about the Rothsay Park, which was closed by the township last month after a child was injured when a swing broke. For a number of years, Meulenbelt maintained that park.

During that discussion at the committee, councillor Neil Driscoll asked if there are any grants the township could seek in order to improve equipment in all township parks.

The committee later recommended council direct staff to work with volunteer groups to investigate grant opportunities.

Councillors subsequently agreed that should be done.

 

October 21, 2011