MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - While nothing was finalized at the meeting earlier this week, members of the Park Commission felt they made great strides in making sure that time and money are not wasted.

Park Commission Chair Todd Wilson felt good after the meeting and had this to say, "We came out with a much higher sense of optimism to actually be able to use the Capital Improvements Program as a planning tool, and not as a list of things that we wish we could do but don't have the funding to do it."

Towner Road Park received a lot of attention but the work proposed to the baseball fields wouldn't be an overnight ordeal and would have to take very careful management to make sure it was done efficiently. The proposed fields and parking would make the park an epicenter for sports in the warmer months. With extra parking and more acreage for events, these proposed developments could make Towner Road one of the most used parks.

The Harris Nature Center is also vying for new developments. Some of which will be basic utilities such as a new barn area and restrooms. There are also proposed plans for new nature walk and exploration area.

The addition of a paid groundskeeping employee was discussed. Issues concerning the hiring of another employee stemmed almost entirely from paying the individual. All members agreed that if managed correctly, another set of hands on the parks could make a huge difference.

Much of the meeting was spent looking at ways to simplify plans and get results faster.

Commission members want to make sure that residents are able to see and enjoy the tax dollars they are putting into the various park programs.