8/5/15
By: Rob Moore
(HELEN) – The Helen City Commission took a field trip of sorts during its meeting Tuesday.
Commissioners, joined by members of the audience, visited the oft-discussed Helen Riverside Park on Edelweiss Strasse to discuss future improvements.
While there, commissioners walked and talked, determining placement for four additional swings and 10 new benches, as well as selecting the path for the mulched walking trail.
City employees drove stakes as commissioners selected sites.
City Manager Jerry Elkins said city personnel can cut back some of the undergrowth along the river without violating environmental guidelines. The cleanup would improve the view of the river for park visitors.
While no specific benches and swings have been selected for the locations determined Tuesday, Elkins said the improvements could cost up to $15,000 for the kind that will last for years.
Elkins added Helen Riverside Park Renovation Project could be financed with hotel/motel tax since it would be geared to draw and serve tourists to the city and the facility.
Commissioners asked Elkins to present them with samples of swings and benches at their next meeting on Aug. 18.
