Work progressing at Lake Ponca recreation area

Workers using a large crane set a new rest room in place Thursday at Lake Ponca, across the road from where the Deep Water Ramp will be placed, next to the swim beach.

The rest room was delivered in one piece and was placed over the plumbing connections already installed, Park and Recreation Director Eric Newell said. A new sewer line from near the Lake Ponca bridge recently was installed as part of the overall project.

Following Thursday evening’s Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. Newell and members of the board went on a tour of city parks for an update on many projects now under way.

Newell said many park projects involve making play equipment and playgrounds both ADA compliant and ADA accessible so they can be used by all city residents.

Pioneer Park at Fifth Street and Hazel Avenue will soon have new swing sets, including adult swing sets and ADA accessible paths, Newell said. All the old play equipment will be powder coated and about $80,000 in new play equipment will be added to the park, all of which will be accessible. The work in this park is expected  to be finished within the next six months, Newell said.

War Memorial Park, which is north of Pioneer Park and south of Ponca City  High School, has added new disc golf baskets, adding another course. The courts at the Wally Smith Tennis Center have been redone and summer tennis will be offered, Newell said.

In addition, talks are underway about moving war memorials at the American Legion building on South Avenue to the park, as well as memorial weapons.

Besides ADA accessibility and compliance, Newell said one of his priorities is providing safer play surfaces with shredded wood fibers replacing shredded tires.

Work is beginning within the next week in Dan Moran Park to to about $17,000 in preventive maintenance on the skate park and to provide a barrier and surface for a new swing set.

Newell said staff currently is looking for a dog park grant to assist with a planned expansion of the existing dog park west of the Armory at Dan Moran Park. The expansion would allow the dog park to have three sections with one  third for small dogs and  two thirds for larger dogs.

During his report to the board before the park tour, Newell said that in capital projects, final bids were received to replace the flooring at the Ponca City Senior Center.

The Lake Committee reported plans to remove vegetation in areas on West Snake Road to open up views and access  to Lake Ponca. The trees removed would be put in the lake to provide fish habitat.