MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - 279 acres of Central Park to cover and earlier this summer the Meridian Park Commission reached out to residents for new ideas or suggestions.

"The Central Park Master Plan's goal is to add to the park what the residents want to use, make visiting the park more worthwhile," said Parks and Recreation Director, LuAnn Maisner.

The goal is bring all of Central Park together, they wanted an identity for the park overall. Navigation through the park was brought up to the board by the public about how it needs to be easier. The plan is to widen the paved trails that will allow bikers or joggers to cross the bridge from Central Park South to the Historical Village to the center of Central Park.

The widened pathway will continue along the soccer field and then connect to the existing pathway over by the pond wetlands. The goal is just to connect all the pathways so navigating is much simpler.

During the public input sessions, the Meridian Garden Club brought up a pavilion in the Village. There is a chapel there now but it would be advantageous to have a pavilion for rent. The Historical Village is often used for weddings and adding a pavilion and more bathrooms would make it even more worthwhile.

"We want the Historical Village to have the feel of 'the center of town gathering space' by adding benches or light poles," said Maisner.

Connecting the two ponds at Central Park South and the Historical Village is another goal. To allow kayaking and wildlife viewing.

A Pink Garden in the Village is highly likely. It'll be in support of breast cancer and donating plants to the soon to be Pink Garden will raise money for breast caner.

Parking for the Farmers' Market has been tough for residents. Relocating the Farmers' Market is an idea and then expanding the parking lot where the Farmers' Market is now.

The thought of a Splash Pad by the Central Park playground is another idea for kids. It would be a water feature with fountains and a brick wall for parent's to keep and eye on their kids. As well as a Sculpture Garden that could be a year round facility. Basketball in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter.

A formal presentation will be given at the September 8th Park Commission meeting.