Little Park in Benton at Center of Bureaucratic Quandary
By:
Updated: November 29, 2012
A small park in Benton, built by the efforts of a volunteer more than a year ago, is causing a bureaucratic quandary for that city.
The park, located near Hope Lane, features a playground for the children and families who live in homes built by Habitat for Humanity. It has a slide, swing set, and benches but it's what the little park lacks that is at issue now.
"Habitat Park" isn't compliant with the requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a letter from the city attorney.
Habitat for Humanity of Saline County wants to give the park to the city but according to the city attorney's letter: "The city could be facing a lawsuit to bring it into compliance, since it is public property."
The city attorney, Brent Houston did not grant KARK an on camera interview, nor would Parks Director John Eckhart or Habitat Director Karma Herzfeld.
The city's parks committee is slated to take up the matter at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3.
The park, located near Hope Lane, features a playground for the children and families who live in homes built by Habitat for Humanity. It has a slide, swing set, and benches but it's what the little park lacks that is at issue now.
"Habitat Park" isn't compliant with the requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a letter from the city attorney.
Habitat for Humanity of Saline County wants to give the park to the city but according to the city attorney's letter: "The city could be facing a lawsuit to bring it into compliance, since it is public property."
The city attorney, Brent Houston did not grant KARK an on camera interview, nor would Parks Director John Eckhart or Habitat Director Karma Herzfeld.
The city's parks committee is slated to take up the matter at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3.
