After taking community input, the master plan to improve Suburban Park has been completed and was approved by Ferguson Township supervisors on May 20.
The 10-acre park at 101 Suburban Avenue in Overlook Heights offers a youth baseball and softball field, tennis and pickleball courts, a basketball court, playground areas, pavilions and trails. The park has direct access to the shared-use bike path that borders the eastern end of the site.
The township sent surveys to residents and held public meetings in November, January and March to hear what the community would like to see improved at the park.
After incorporating the feedback, the Suburban Park master plan states that the update envisions a neighborhood park that continues to serve the Overlook Heights neighborhood. The plan maintains and updates popular recreation facilities and enhances natural aspects of the park setting. A major aspect of the update is that the drainage channel will be widened and naturalized to better accommodate runoff. Proposed recreation improvements target activities desired by residents to enhance the enjoyment of visiting the park.
The plan calls for the pavilion to be replaced with a larger structure that can accommodate eight to 10 picnic tables. An addition pavilion will be added near the basketball courts to accommodate four picnic tables.
The tennis courts will be restriped so they can be used for both tennis and pickleball use and a backboard will be added to one court for individual basketball practice.
The plan calls to develop an expanded playground area that has both traditional play equipment and a natural play environment. Mature trees in the playground area are maintained to provide shade in an intimate setting. Opportunities for learning at this site include stream restoration, water conservation and reuse, native plantings and butterfly gardens. Suggested features in the playground include native plantings, stone and log steppers, embankment slide and traditional playground equipment. Rainwater harvesting, including rain barrels and cisterns, are suggested to collect rainwater for interactive water play.
The township also plans to expand the existing trail to provide a duel loop trail that will encircle the park. This trail would be eight-feet-wide and ADA accessible.
Other features of the plan include added parking, a bike plaza with a bike repair station and mile markers along the trail.
The plan also calls for sustainable design features that minimized the impact on natural resources.
Township manager Dave Prilbulka said that the improvements will be phased into the budget of the township when funds are available.
More information about the plan can be found on the Ferguson Township website.
Image via Ferguson Township
