Letter to the editor: Making Arnold park a reality

On April 13, I attended the Arnold Council meeting and reminded council members a plan for a proposed Constitution Boulevard Park that was prepared in 1994 by Michael Cabot Associates Inc. Mayor William DeMao and Arnold Council presented the plan after I asked them to consider the construction of a walking trail in Arnold similar to Oakmont’s.

The proposed park would begin at Camp Avenue and end at 14th Street and include a farmers market and a flea market. Because of a lack of communication with Alle­gheny Valley Railroad, and lack of time by Arnold Chamber of Commerce members undertaking various projects, the plan was “put on the shelf” at the Arnold Community Development Office and forgotten.

When I recently approached council, I knew there was a strict adherence to no trespassing on railroad property, so the possibility of a walking trail in Arnold, and “partnering” with the city of New Kensington, was remote. I also knew funding wasn’t available through the CARES Act and the Community Development Block Grant program. My suggestion was to take components of the 1994 plan and incorporate them within the city. For instance, a “starting project” may be to have a farmers market or flea market at Roosevelt Park, along with food truck vendors.

As always, community support is crucial to such a project’s success. Hopefully, a community group will “step up to the plate” and take responsibility to initiate these projects so we can enjoy a sense of pride and community togetherness.

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Mary Lou Bitar

Arnold