Park to get concession stand, restrooms

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

With a second ballfield in the works at Jubilee Park — and the additional traffic that would bring — the Van Wert Parks Department is now putting together final plans for a new concession stand/restroom facility at the park.

Parks Director Sue Heppeard said Friday that a one-story, 26-by-32-foot metal-sided building would be constructed this spring to provide concessions and restroom facilities for both the existing ballfield and the one that will be under construction this spring.

“Right now, all we have for concessions at Jubilee Park is a trailer,” she explained.

The planned facility would also provide some much-needed storage space for the parks department, Heppeard said. “We’re always fighting for storage,” she noted.

Unlike the current restrooms, the new facilities would be locked when no games are being played, Heppeard said, to make them more secure when not in use.

She noted that the Van Wert Lions Club — which has traditionally provided many volunteer hours on Jubilee Park projects — would be building the new facility, while the parks department would purchase the materials for the job.

“This is a big savings and very much welcome,” Heppeard said of the Lions’ contribution to the project. The club will also be providing some financial aid as well, the parks director added. Because volunteer labor is being used, though, Heppeard couldn’t say for sure when the facility would be completed.

The new building would be located west of the outfield fence at the existing ballfield, Heppeard explained, adding that she wanted a more centralized location, but with the location of the parking lot and other facilities, this was the best location possible.

“People will have to walk a little bit from both ballfields, but it shouldn’t be too bad,” she said.

Final figures aren’t in at this point, Heppeard said, noting that the project would probably cost somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000. She also said that, while the Lions and several other groups and businesses have made donations to the project, more would be welcome to help offset the impact the project will have on her capital improvement budget.

“Let’s put it this way, if I don’t get a little more (financial) help on this project, I won’t be able to do any other capital projects this year,” the parks director said.

Those interested in donating can call Heppeard at the parks department office: 419.238.9121.