Politics & Government

Locksley Lane Park Moves Closer to Restoration

West Deptford is up against a deadline from Mother Nature to get grass seed down, as nearby residents await the return of the destroyed park.

 

Locksley Lane Park may come close to living up to its former title of Rainbow Lake Park, yet again. Efforts to restore Locksley Lane Park took another step in the right direction during Thursday night’s township committee meeting.

West Deptford is awaiting a permit from the Gloucester County Soil Conservation District in order to begin seeding the area for grass, the township engineer announced. Mayor Raymond Chintall says after the permit is approved, the township can begin to draw up estimates on equipment and resources.

While Chintall hopes to eventually get silt fencing installed to help combat the major erosion issues occurring around the creek, he says the township wants to lay topsoil and seed down before the winter months. Chintall says that while past efforts to lay seed down proved unsuccessful, he is confident that with proper removal of the asphalt and topsoil will give the park the kick-start it needs.

However—depending on when the permit is approved by the Gloucester County Soil Conservation District—efforts to get grass seed down may be delayed. While grass seed can be planted all the way up to early November, if the permit comes too late, the township may have to postpone laying seed down till the following spring.  
 
Locksley Lane park was mangled seven years ago from construction work on neighboring water and sewage pipes. Since then, many residents who share a border with the park have expressed concern and urged the township to help repair the broken park.

Dave Kline—whose house sits just left of the park—even took up the task of creating a website for the Sherwood Green Project, after nieghbor Kim Mehaffey started the group. The organization held their first meeting in May, with 40 residents of Sherwood Green voicing concerns.  

In June, Chintall joined the residents of Sherwood Green to talk about what it would take to restore Locksley Lane Park to its former state. The mayor reassured the community that action would be taken.

However—apart from just planting grass—Kline previously stated the park has several key issues, including poison ivy and rotting trees, in need of attention.

Fortunately, members of the Sherwood Green Project have expressed willingness to help the town with restorative efforts, and have even discussed fundraising or soliciting for donations—similar to Field of Dreams.  

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