Thanks to a contribution from the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, the town of Tyrone has an additional $18,000 to spend on recreation this year.

The Town Council agreed Thursday night for each council member to submit ideas to town staff so costs can be determined and projects prioritized. But Councilwoman Grace Caldwell argued the money should go entirely to Shamrock Park in the heart of downtown, as the town has spent $1.5 million on other parks instead of Shamrock.

Councilman Paul Letourneau pointed out that the city did spend funds on the aeration fountain recently installed at the lake, nearly $1,300. The town also spent about $13,000 five years ago to install new playground equipment.

“Every one of our parks needs something done,” said Mayor Sheryl Lee, later noting “I don’t think anybody disagrees that we need to do something with Shamrock Park.”

Caldwell argued that the town has ample recreation for youths, but not enough for seniors, and a renovated Shamrock Park would help with that need. One resident noted that a restroom would be nice, as there’s not one averrable after the library closes in the evenings. It was noted that vandalism problems are one hurdle toward building a restroom.

Town Manager Barry Amos said Shamrock Park does need some attention, and he recommended tearing town the existing building and fence.

“That would go a long way toward making the property look much better,” Amos said, adding that safety issues at all of the town’s parks should also be addressed, as one has been brought up involving the level of mulch at playground areas. He said the town could perhaps leverage the county’s contribution with private donations to get about $50,000 in recreation improvements.

Amos said the lake area possibly could be helped as part of the city’s new library project, on which construction should start at the beginning of the year.

The park has been spruced up by volunteers on two work days, as the bridge, basketball and tennis courts were pressure washed, the pavilion was painted and grass and overgrowth was cut.

Volunteers sold colored bows to raise money for park improvements.

“I’m tired of hawking bows,” said Councilwoman Gloria Furr.

Caldwell said Shamrock Park needs improved lighting on the paths, more picnic areas and benches, a gazebo and boardwalk along the wetlands, an additional pavilion area and new tennis and basketball courts. She also recommended keeping the courts lit at night from 9-12 p.m.

In return for the $18,000 check from the county, Tyrone is agreeing not to charge Fayette County residents a higher fee for recreation programs than Tyrone citizens are charged.

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