MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Historical Village Barnes House has been in the Township since 1849.

At Tuesday's Park Commission meeting, the commissioners heard public comment as well as discussed the possibility of additions to the Barnes House through the Friends of Historic Meridian.

This was one of the main projects discussed at the meeting, as were other capital improvement programs, which the Park Commission hopes to see happen between the years 2017-2022.

Other capital improvement programs included Central Park Master Plan; new restroom building and tennis court renovations at Hillbrook Park, as well as improving the trails by making them more accessible; Legg Park South signage, development of a shelter, trail improvements, parking, fenced off-leash dog area, a paved entry drive and parking.

Harris Nature Center, another one of the CIPs, is expanding by creating indoor and outdoor education areas, making improvements to the pavilion, building outdoor restrooms and parking expansion.

The Park Commission also discussed setting a date for the Friends of the Park Volunteer Recognition Ceremony.

Each year Park Commission along with the Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department hosts an award ceremony to celebrate and honor the various contributions and donations to the parks people give.

Following discussion of new business, there were announcements of upcoming events in the township such as the Winter Farmer's Market on April 16, which will be held in the J.C. Penny corridor of the Meridian Mall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The following Saturday, on April 23, it's Love A Park Day from noon until 3 p.m.

Other event announcements included the Meridian Garden Club Annual Plant Sale on Friday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Park Pavilion and the Harris Nature Center Native Plants Day and Sale on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Park Commission ended its meeting shortly after its closed session meeting, which occurred right after event announcements.