Crews begin building park in Poland Twp.

The latest agreement added 15 acres, increasing the park acreage to 87.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Township residents will have another place to enjoy playground equipment, ballfields and walking trails by next summer.
Last week, crews from BFI graded the roughly 87 acres at Cowden and Moore roads, and an Eagle Scout troop from the township planted grass.
Plans have been in the works for the past few years for the township to lease 72 acres of the property from BFI for $1 per year as part of an agreement for a landfill operated by the company in the township.
Acreage boost
Mike Heher, chairman of the park board and the landfill's general manager, said that the most recent agreement between the company and the township allowing the company to operate the landfill added 15 acres for the park, boosting total acreage to 87.
The lease is effective for up to 99 years or for as long as the company must continue testing on the property, Heher said. The landfill is adjacent to the park parcel.
After that, it reverts to the township.
"BFI will still pay the property taxes on the property" throughout the lease agreement, he said.
Robert Lidle, township trustee chairman, pointed out that the park is being created without added cost to township taxpayers.
Work donated
The community soccer and flag football association, Eagle Scouts and Lowellville Rod and Gun Club have donated their work to prepare the property. The township received a $34,000 grant from the Recycling and Reuse Division of Mahoning County (Green Team) for playground equipment and fencing made from recycled materials for the park, he said.
"The trustees are appreciative of all of the work that's been put into this by various segments of the community and our advisory board members, and we look forward to the citizens of the township enjoying their own park in 2006," Lidle said.
Besides the playground equipment, the park will include walking trails, flag football, soccer and softball fields, picnic tables and pavilions, he said.
They've also talked about a sled-riding hill, the trustee said.
The township plans to seek grants for the additional amenities.
Heher said there also are plans to run electricity to the park to provide lighting.