Simmons Park in Bethel Park to get a facelift
The playground at Bethel Park’s Simmons Park might be replaced next year.
Bethel Park Council discussed the project at its committee meeting Nov. 29 and will consider approving the new playground at the regular meeting Dec. 11.
A grant that the municipality received from Allegheny County should pay for the improvement.
Bethel Park officials originally had more extensive improvements in mind for Simmons Park, to include a splash pad for young children. However, planners now believe that the small baseball field on Park Avenue might be a more central location for the splash pad, which is essentially a fountain for children to play in and cool off in the summer.
More improvements might be in store for Simmons Park at a later date, but municipal manager Shawn Arbaugh told council replacing the playground equipment should be a priority, since the current playground is quite old.
Councilwoman Lorrie Gibbons said she certainly sees the need for a new playground, but Simmons Park has long had issues with inadequate parking spaces and she would like that problem addressed as well.
“We really need to look at the parking situation,” she said.
In another matter, council agreed to hold a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 to consider granting final approval for the third phase of the Bethel Park Shopping Center redevelopment. The developer, Brixmor Property Group of New York City, plans to demolish and replace several smaller buildings on the edge of the shopping center, which is anchored by Wal-Mart and Giant Eagle.
Council approved the first two phases of the project about two weeks ago. The developer will seek approvals from the municipal planning commission and zoning hearing board, which meet in early December. The developer hopes to get a final OK from municipal council by the end of the year. Since Brixmor requested the special meeting, the company will pay for advertising costs.
Council may also consider approving plans for a development at the industrial park at the special meeting, if the plans receive the necessary approvals from the zoning and planning boards.