Park improvements focus of public hearing.

Shelby Village Administrator Rob Widigan displays the architectural drawing of the Getty Park improvements.

Park improvements focus of public hearing.

#Shelby

SHELBY – More than 30 residents, business owners, and Shelby Public Schools officials attended a public hearing Monday night, Jan. 14, hosted by the Village of Shelby to learn about and provide input on proposed Getty Park renovations.

“Vibrant parks are an economic boost to a community. As a parent who raised four sons at Shelby schools, I see the value to families considering moving here and to residents who will benefit from new activities to enjoy. What a bonus that is right next to the school campus where people gather all the time,” said Tammy Carey, executive director of the Community Foundation for Oceana County in a press release provided by Village Administrator Rob Widigan.

The Village of Shelby is looking to make numerous improvements to Getty Park. The proposed development concept plan shows a splash pad, shelter area, additional parking, walking paths, new playground, pickle ball court, tennis courts and a basketball court. The plan also shows a small skate park, new seating and picnic areas. The one park amenity currently in the park – the restroom/storage building – will also be renovated. Resident feedback at the public hearing will be incorporated into the final design.

Given that the boundary of Getty Park includes Getty Field, which has been used by Shelby High School, the village will work with Shelby Public Schools to ensure that no disruption occurs to its soccer program. Amenities within Getty Field, such as the scoreboard and press box, will remain unchanged. The development plan does include improvements to the small building on the southwest end of the field to accommodate needed storage. The DNR Trust Fund grant requires full accessibility to all of Getty Park to meet grant eligibility guidelines. When the school is not using the field, the gates will be unlocked to allow for full community use, such as a Shelby Recreation Club summer youth soccer program.

“The final project will be a beautiful park adjacent to Shelby Schools, providing the whole community a valuable and restored Getty Park to be proud of,” said Widigan.

“Village of Shelby administration and the village council have the community and school’s interests at heart. We wish to continue the spirit of cooperation and to foster an even stronger relationship in regards to the use of Getty Park,” said Councilman Andy Near. “I am pleased with the attendance at last night’s public hearing and look forward to seeing what this community can accomplish when we work together.”

To learn more about the proposed Getty Park project, go to http://shelbyvillage.com/village-parks/ or follow the Village of Shelby on Facebook. Residents with questions about the proposed project are encouraged to call Widigan at 231-861-4401.

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