Monday, January 26, 2004
More than 100,000 people frequent the park each year, the director said.
By LAURA MILOSER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NESHANNOCK, Pa. -- Vandalism at Pearson Park has declined by 95 percent since the township began to close off a portion of the park during the winter, officials said.
Park Director Richard Pearsall said the second park entrance is closed from mid-November through mid-April. Areas of the park are also gated off during winter.
Police reported two complaints at the park in the past six months.
Supervisor John DiCola Jr. said at Wednesday's township supervisor meeting that the first complaint was after a walker saw a man exposing himself. DiCola said police caught him.
The second complaint was filed after a walker reported a man walking with an orange ski mask. DiCola said this happened when the outside temperature was 15 degrees.
Pearsall reminded the supervisors of the two public pay phones at the lower end of the park and at the park office.
Resident's comments
"People need to use common sense," said resident Phillip Battista. "It is the nicest facility for a jogger or walker in the county."
Battista is a frequent jogger in the park but told the supervisors that he does not like to jog alone during the winter, when the park has a low attendance.
Pearsall said more than 100,000 people frequent the park each year.
In other business, the supervisors appointed David Cugini, township administrative assistant, to the municipal managing coordinator position for the township. The position is a requirement for all municipalities in Pennsylvania.
The supervisors agreed to sell used items from the old municipal building. Garage doors along with other items will be listed for sale at the temporary township municipal offices in Field Club Commons.