Allen Schneider

The Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council look at funding improvements to the city’s boat ramp on the English River as the top priority for parks spending in the coming year.

“The boat ramp seems like a no-brainer,” commission Chairman Nate Robinson said, adding that the project is low expense and is ready to start.

The price tag for the project is estimated at $23,300. The plan is to dig out both banks 20 to 30 feet and install riprap to keep the banks from eroding. A new concrete pad would be poured.

The project, which has been promoted by county Supervisor Bob Yoder at City Council meetings, has been approved by the Department of Natural Resources.

“I think if that were developed, they would come,” Mayor Allen Schneider said in introducing the boat ramp project.

Another priority, according to the mayor, is making city playgrounds compliant for access by handicapped children.

“Just make sure the equipment is safe and accessible,” Schneider said.

The commission discussed developing a primitive campground with a fire ring in Hall Park near the river.

Commissioners asked about spots for recreational vehicle camping. Hall Park, which often floods, was ruled out, but Conservation Park on the north side of town was mentioned as a possibility.

City Administrator Christine Yancey said she wants to do something with the barn at Hall Park, which needs repairs.

“I’d like to do something with the barn before we lose it,” Yancey said.

Commissioner John Sojka agreed. “That building, we should make sure it’s preserved,” he said.

Yancey said the city could develop a new walking area at the detention basins being constructed as part of the Northern Heights development.

Schneider said the City Council will begin budget discussions this month. The commissions recommendations will help the council decide “what we can set aside this year and what we can spend in future years.”