MILTON — City officials are seeking the county’s assistance in improving Optimist Park, located off Old Bagdad Highway.
GALLERY: Photos of Optimist Park in Milton>
Parks and Recreation Director John Norton said the city seeks financial assistance to add lighting around the walking track and repair a currently defunct irrigation system.
While the park is owned by the county, the city manages the property. Norton said the city regularly maintains the park, which has become popular.
“The amount of people (who visit the park) has increased tremendously,” Norton said.
The increased number of visitors might be due to the added dog park portion, which was added more than three years ago, he said.
The sports fields, including a soccer field enclosed by a walking track, also draw crowds.
“We have some soccer teams come out there and we are starting to see lacrosse,” he said.
In addition to a children’s play area and a racquet ball area, the park has two baseball fields, which are often used for youth league competition.
While there may have been some issues in the past involving vandalism, Norton said residents are helping to maintain the park.
“We have had no major issues (recently),” he said.
In addition to safety, the track lights can also give citizens a sense of security while walking at night.
Norton said city officials will soon approach the county about funding the improvements.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Optimist Park needs lighting, irrigation improvements (PHOTOS, VIDEO)