Upgrades Continue At Parkside Park

By alBert Parker chester Park District chairman

The Chester Park District is responsible for several park lands within Chester Township. The focus of attention is Parkside Park located at the intersection of Mayfield and Chillicothe roads, which is the most visible and important location identifying Chester Township.

2022 has been a busy year for the park district in the maintenance and improvements to Parkside. Several major improvements will be the goals for 2023 and beyond. All projects are prioritized by funding and impact and are the purpose of the park district and Chester Township Administrator Mark Purchase. Below are completed improvements and future goals that the district will be pursuing to keep Parkside as the pre-eminent community park in Geauga County.

The all-important gazebo has been upgraded, with lighting improvements, repainting and refurbished carpentry. With the talents of the Perennial Garden Committee, the Parkside gazebo and perennial garden remain the most prominent identifying features of Chester Township. All park picnic tables and shelters have been cleaned and stained and three cooking grills added. Existing wood picnic tables are being replaced in an ongoing program with tables constructed from recycled plastic tables and replacement of seats and backs in the benches with recycled plastic, which will not require repainting or the risk of splintering.

A bocce court has been added in the horseshoe courts area. Playground equipment has been maintained to the highest safety standards. Summerfest, Winterfest, Veterans Day and Memorial Day will continue to provide popular programs, including the leadership of the Chester Rotary, and the popularity of the summer music series sponsored by The Kiwanis.

Parkside has been chosen to be the primary baseball field for the West Geauga High School girls softball team and the park district will be providing top quality facilities to welcome them, including new bleachers. Another goal for 2023-24 is to add three new pickleball courts at the east end of the park.

Long term project goals include improvements to the restroom facility for year-around use, as well as drainage improvements and paving of the parking lot.

Chester Township Park District, the Chester Township administration welcome the community’s support and invite the public to enjoy the activities available at Parkside.

FGP Explorers Series

July 8, 10 a.m. to noon

Join Foundation for Geauga Parks for “Over the Fields and Through the Woods along the Old Inter-Urban Railroad” at the Upper Chagrin Preserve in Russell Township. For information or to register, visit foundationforgeaugaparks.org or call 440564-1048.

Benefit Flea Market

July 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The 17th annual Geauga County Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council’s (OHC) benefit flea market takes place in the picnic shelters area of The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.

All vendor fees benefit the OHC and Bri-