SV Mini Park to get facelift

SPRING VALLEY — The Spring Valley City Council approved a major renovation of the brick-lined Mini Park in the city’s downtown area at its meeting Monday.

Mayor Cliff Banks asked Park Board President Tony Mautino about the plans for the park, and Mautino turned the floor over to Dave Pellegrini, who he said had created the plan.

Pellegrini said the plan was something unique, and there was nothing like it in any other nearby community.

The design will feature spears radiating out from the park’s new bandstand, erected last summer. Seating walls will be erected around the stage and planters, and the entire park will be reinforced with a good base.

“It will hold up,” Pellegrini guaranteed. “I think it’s going to look really nice.”

The entire park will be on one level so as to avoid accidents such as that which happened to Alderman Walt Marini’s wife two years ago. Mary Jane Marini was at the park and tripped and fell on the uneven surface, breaking her wrist.

Banks said that a citizens group that is currently being formed plans to purchase the building directly to the east of the park, and that building will eventually house two public restrooms.

Pellegrini said work should begin next week with the removal of the current bricks and railroad ties. The bricks will be removed by volunteers, and many of the new bricks and pavers will be laid with the assistance of a naval reserve group, thanks to Mautino’s son.

Pellegrini estimated the work would be done in time for the Fourth of July.

“It would be ideal to have it completed by then,” he said.

Mautino said the only commitment needed from the city was to purchase the bricks and pavers, which could cost up to $35,000.

However, that cost could end up being a lot less than that.

Spring Valley City Bank President Dave Kromphardt then addressed the council. Kromphardt said the bank takes pride in being partners with the community, and so will match every dollar donated for the renovation project, up to $10,000.

“We invite individuals and businesses to join us,” he said. “Join us in this partnership to rebuild our parks.”