Super idea

Tails are wagging with news of planned improvements to the village of Coal City’s dog park.
Connor Super, a Life Scout with Boy Scout Troop 466, has proposed a series of improvements to the park including a shelter, seating and canine toys, as well as some routine maintenance.
The property for the 100 by 100-foot park at the south end of Mary Street was provided to the village through a long-term lease and the doggie play place opened to the public in 2014.
Super’s idea came about as he was selecting a community service project to complete his Eagle Scout requirements.
In a proposal presented to the Coal City Village Board last week, Super wants to construct a 10-foot by 8-foot shelter for canines and their owners to sit under during their visit. A picnic table would be added to the shelter and maybe a few plants or trees would be included to spruce up the otherwise vacant land. And, he has proposed fixing holes in the chain link fence that surrounds the park.
Super also plans to bring in some large drums, tires and other play items for pets.
Trustee Sarah Beach, who serves as chairperson of the village’s Park Board, said although the improvements have not been shared with her committee, she supports the idea.
“I don’t think it’s a bad idea. We have had a hard time with the dog park, it’s just a grass lot. Anything to get people to use it would be more beneficial,” she said.
Super estimates the cost of improvements and additions to be around $500, funds that would come through donations or dollars earmarked by the village for park improvements.
Beach said the park board has no planned funding for the dog park at this time, but she would present the idea to see if they would like to set some money aside in the next budget to help with the upgrades.
Super plans to undertake the project in summer 2020.
Mayor Terry Halliday indicated he supports the concept, but as he did two weeks earlier, informed the Eagle Scout candidate he wants to ensure the materials utilize will be sustainable.
Prior to finalizing his construction plans, Super will touch base with the village engineer and maintenance supervisor on the materials selected for the park.