News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Celina has plans to bring more activities to Donaldson Park but getting clearance from the Army Corp of Engineers can extend that process.
Mayor Luke Collins said it can take up to two years to gain approval for a project.
“It’s just unacceptable,” Collins said. “The people really deserve better. They deserve a streamed line process. I’d certainly love to see somebody that’s in authority, a senator or a maybe a general there with the Corp of Engineers to try to find a way.”
Donaldson Park was leased to Celina last year for 25 years. Collins said with the land not being owned by the city, it can be a challenge making progress. Collins said a splash pad and playgrounds are a few ideas the city wants to happen.
“It’s really not our park, and it may never be our park,” Collins said. “If we had our own park, then we can just dig. If we wanted to put in bathrooms, a splash pad or water lines, we could just do it, and we don’t have to wait for two years.”
Collins said he is in communication with the school board to possibly get a Celina owned park at the old high school gym property on Brown Street.
“Working on the possibility of the school board donating some property, and the county and city pitching in some money to have our own park,” Collins said.
Collins said that does not mean Donaldson Park will be forgotten. Collins said Donaldson Park has more opportunities to offer since it is bigger.
