Park envisioned in Canfield Township

CANFIELD — As the township continues to grow, Dan Bienko envisions a community park that could easily rival one in neighboring Boardman Township.

Bienko, head of Canfield Township’s parkland   committee, said Monday that ideas being kicked around for the park include game fields, picnic pavillions, play areas and a possible bandshell for concerts.

“I definitely think (a park) is something the township is lacking,” Bienko said Monday after a township trustees meeting.

A timeline for completion of the park is premature at this point, Bienko said, but noted architects are being solicited for drawings and engineering of the site will be completed this year.

The 57-acre unnamed park is planned for township-owned land on both sides of Herbert Road near Old North Church. The township paid $854,520 for the land.

The city has a few smaller parks and The Green in the center of town, where many community events are held.

Bienko said further development in the township and along Herbert Road will put the township and committee “ahead of the game” in developing a public space that families and large groups can enjoy “for a broad spectrum of uses.”

About 700 surveys were received from residents who provided the 15-member parkland committee with suggestions on use.

Bienko, who is an architect, said public meetings will be held once a master plan is drafted.

The parkland committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the township hall on South Broad Street.