By PAULENE POPARAD

The Burns Harbor Park Board is considering inviting local artists to loan larger-scale art pieces to be placed on outdoor display at Lakeland Park. Even better, some of the pieces could be made specifically for and debut at the park.

Chairing Wednesday’s meeting, board vice-president Clark Hamilton outlined some aspects of the art-walk program that would need to be considered.

They included a location, tentatively thought to be along the north side of the walking path that parallels Haglund Road east of Lakeland’s entrance; insurance; emphasis on the use of natural materials like wood, metal and stone; that the art pieces be safe and child-friendly; who will maintain the pieces; and what kind of base each artwork would require.

“I’m really excited about it,” said Hamilton. He said this year he’d like to plant the seed and have the idea mature with guidelines adopted so next year the pieces could be installed. “It’s not good project management to throw it together just to get it done. To set this up it takes time but it would be beautiful.”

Board members Ron Day and Dawn Ruge were receptive to the idea, as were park director Kim Burton and Town Council liaison to the park Toni Biancardi. Board president Leann Perrine was absent. Biancardi said the Purdue North Central campus in Westville has outdoor artwork everywhere incorporated in its landscaping.

Hamilton suggested board members contact the Art Departments at local colleges and schools to bring the Lakeland project to their attention to gauge interest.

Hamilton, the board’s newest member, also asked about the status of improvements at Bolinger Park in Harbor Trails subdivision. The town accepted the park last fall and a play structure was installed but there is no grass. By a 3-0 vote the board directed Burton to use leftover 2007 CEDIT money, its share of proceeds from the Porter County income tax, to have the park tilled, raked and hydroseeded.

The board has one quote for the work but will solicit more before Burton authorizes the lowest vendor to begin as soon as possible. She said it would cost $600 for the park just to buy the grass seed. Hamilton asked that any fertilizer applied be organic.

He also asked about installation of landscaping and walkways at Bolinger Park, over one acre in size. Burton said those would take place after major items are installed, adding that a majority of the residents who attended Park Board meetings last year did not want large trees because of leaves although there’s been no final decision. She also said a covered shelter is planned for Bolinger Park, and aluminum benches will be installed.

An official dedication hasn’t taken place at the park because of long-time town official Dick Bolinger’s illness, however, a sign listing park rules is being made.

Day said since the walking path at Lakeland, which has deteriorated in spots, is going to be repaired and widened this year, the same contractor might be asked for a price for installing paths at Bolinger Park.

Hamilton reminded town residents that the parks in his subdivision, The Village, although not town-owned are still public parks so the playground and landscaped areas, some with electricity, are for their use, too.

Burton was asked to get prices for one or more plastic bottle/metal soda-can recycling stations at Lakeland Park. It was noted that unless they are sturdily mounted in some way, the recycling station could end up in Harbor Lake. Burton also said trash likely will be dumped in with the recycling unless a way can be found to prevent it.

The park director was authorized to contact Comcast about possibly switching park telephone/Internet service from Verizon. The Town of Porter recently changed some of its phone lines to Comcast on a trial basis. Burton said she cannot make outgoing calls from Lakeland’s arts and crafts building because wires in the building apparently are not working.

Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the arts and crafts building the popular family movie night will take place. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” will be screened, and refreshments will be served.

Day suggested some low-voltage lighting be priced and possibly installed along the sidewalks at the Lakeland gazebo. Ruge said the gazebo is lit, and ground lighting could be vandalized. The cost of a streetlight at the gazebo parking lot will be investigated, as will the cost of a pre-paid cell phone for use by lifeguards at the beach during the summer swimming season.

At the May 7 meeting the board hopes to prioritize a list of projects to be done this year.

Posted 4/3/2008