WARREN Panel considers options

The panel's recommendation could include closing parks and shepherding.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The committee appointed to advise city council on a citywide park plan has wide latitude in its task, its chairman says.
"Council has said to us, 'Come back to us with a system you would like to see for the parks,'" Andy Barkley said.
"That could include closing some parks and park shepherding. There's a myriad of things we can do."
Council passed legislation earlier this year creating the committee, made up of a cross-section of residents. It has up to a year to present a nonbinding plan to council.
The seven-member panel conducted an organizational meeting last month, selecting officers. A meeting schedule hasn't been set.
"It think it's a magnificent opportunity for residents to play a part in what they want the future of the parks to be," said Councilman Robert A. Marchese, D-at large, who sponsored the legislation creating the committee. "It's solely going to be what's in the best interests of residents."
He sees the panel's goal as coming up with a plan for a number of parks that are well-maintained and not strictly ball fields.
The city has 21 parks, some of which consist of only a small piece of property.
Open options
Tristan Hand, committee vice chairman, said the panel remains in the planning stages.
"At this point, all options are open," he said. "We want to look at every possibility for the quality of life for the citizens of Warren when dealing with the parks."
Barkley believes that the first working meeting, the date for which hasn't been set, should include a presentation from a member of the city administration, identifying park property, detailing the boundaries and detailing what constitutes a park.
"We need to know where we are right now, today," Barkley said.
The vice chairman is equally enthusiastic about the task ahead.
"We're all excited about it," Hand said. "The possibilities are endless."
denise.dick@vindy.com