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HUBBARD -- City and township officials are looking at options for making needed improvements to a Harding Park road, which they said has not been paved since 1984.
City council met Monday with Hubbard trustees and members of the Harding Park board about what needs to be done on Roosevelt Drive.
First Ward Councilwoman Bonnie Viele said anyone who has been in the park knows the road is in bad shape and needs upgraded, widened and paved.
"We hope the three groups can come to some agreement on what can be done," she said.
Hubbard Township Trustee Fred Hanley said the city and township cannot apply for American Rescue Plan Act dollars for the park, but can support the park board in its requests for the funds to make improvements.
Hanley said the road project has been discussed before.
"The road is in bad shape. Do we want to work together on this?" Hanley said.
He said previous estimates were more than $270,000, but the costs likely have increased. Hanley said efforts also have been made previously to get grants that no longer may be available.
Hanley said the three entities each could contribute to the project.
"The question is, will all three entities be willing to get involved in the project? The park board is asking for help," said Hubbard Township Trustee William Coletta, who noted the park is used by city and township residents.
Coletta said he would like to see the park board seek ARP funds from Trumbull County.
Hanley said the township does not have the money this year for the park road project, but can for it in 2024 or 2025.
Park board member Mike Stiver said the park receives $150,000 per year for maintenance, utilities, fuel for equipment and workers. He said money also comes from rentals of the park pavilions and cabin.
He said the park board would like to see some improvements made this summer before the planned 100th anniversary of the park set for Sept. 16.
Harding Park is located on Roosevelt Drive and is open from May through September. The park was dedicated in 1923 and has sports fields and a bandstand.
Hanley said previously, the township and city helped pay for speed bumps for Roosevelt Drive.
"We do have ideas and options that we can look at," Viele said.
Second Ward Councilwoman Robin Zambrini said the road needs to be widened. Officials noted it is difficult in sections for cars to pass each other.
Law Director Mark Villano said the city possibly could vacate Roosevelt Drive so the park could have the road and apply for grants.
"This is an option that can be looked at,'' Villano said.