Parks Commission Plans Workdays in Marlin Parks, Camera Installations to Stop Trash Dumping

The Marlin City Park Commission held a meeting on Thursday, April 9 at the City Council Chambers, where several topics were discussed.

President Jackie Wilson shared some updates from the city, including that cameras have been ordered for all local parks. Public trash cans at several parks are being filled with household trash by individuals who live in Marlin, which is not their intended purpose and leads to increased litter in the parks. The feasibility of locking trash cans was also discussed and considered.

Wilson noted that she has looked into a few pieces of playground equipment to replace what was removed from Falconer’s Park for a proposal to City Manager Jason Creacy. Discussion about park equipment replacement was spirited and uncertain in nature, as the city has not outright agreed or stated they will foot the bill for equipment replacement. Members of the commission shared ideas for fundraising efforts or donation sponsorship by local businesses for the various parks. A go-fund-me online fundraiser was also discussed as a possible option for individuals who wish to donate to the parks, but the need to make sure funds are going to a secure account that the commission will have sole access to was expressed and agreed upon by members.

The need for fencing around at least a portion of MLK Park and repairs to the dividing fence between courts at Apple Sport Park were discussed, along with the need to replace or add lights to all of the parks.

Each member of the commission volunteered to keep an eye on a different park in Marlin to provide future updates about goings-on and unique safety issues for a better overall understanding of needs for each park.

The commission also discussed intentions to host of the parks in Marlin over the next few months, ahead of the summer season when they see the most use. Parks Commission members would lead the charge and invite the public to participate, with conversations about volunteerism and the commission’s goals over hot dogs or a similar style lunch once work was completed each day.

Though no specific dates were decided, Wilson agreed to share a workday schedule with this publication as soon as they’ve been set.