A local committee is working on a project that would improve the Playground ( Fifth Street ) and Bramlage Skate Park facilities.

Joy Davis told the Junction City Commission the Playground Park needs renovations for safety reasons, and new playground equipment.  She noted it would improve the quality of life for children and families, and be an opportunity to showcase the park for Junction City.   “While we were researching the needs for Playground Park Ed Lazear made us aware of the safety issues at the Bramlage Skate Park ( on Grant Avenue ).” Davis made it clear they will be two projects. Grants and donations will be sought for both efforts.

On the Playground Park project a $400,000 community development block grant will be sought in 2017.  The cost estimate on the improvements targeted for that facility has been calculated at $350,000. Proposed improvements range from an area in the park for older children and a music area to a school bus area, new playground equipment, and an artificial turf like surface.

Davis informed the Junction City Commission there are different grants designated just for Skate Parks. “what needs to be repaired on it is the metal. There’s a lot of sharp edges on those metal ramps, and the kids are getting hurt on them.

Junction City Commissioners were generally positive in their reaction to the idea. Their approval would be necessary in the case of grant applications, but no city funding is being sought for these projects.