One of our primary topics was recent work being done at Lincoln Park on East 5th Street in Metropolis – known by many as Civitan.
Mayor Canada advised that the work is part of the lining of pipes – a project that led to a new project of locating a man hole opening.
The man hole opening has been located – deep beneath the general vicinity of second base. The surface remains disturbed as the city awaits a riser which will bring the opening to the surface so that it can be more readily accessed.
Mayor Canada advised that during the course of looking into grants for improvements at Lincoln Park it was discovered that there was no deed on the plot of land.
This led to a title search to try and determine the definitive origin of the property during which time interest was expressed by a local health provider to possibly purchase the land to build a new medical facility which would provide dental and obgyn as well as other services.
That – coupled with the improvements that need to be made to the park – have led to a conversation about the potential sale of the property.
As word began to make it through Metropolis that the park might be relocated some residents began to express concern.
Some were concerned for the loss of the recreational space to the community, some were affected by the nostalgia of dusty ball uniforms and Khoury League and still others were concerned as to whether proper protocols were being followed regarding the sale of the park by the city to a private business.
Mayor Canada told WMOK that at this time the discussion regarding the sale of the property is just that – a discussion. He said there are many items from both aspects that would need to be further looked into before such a decision could be made.
Mayor Canada expressed his own nostalgia regarding the “Civitan Ballpark” as he used to coach there. The Mayor went on to explain the proper protocols which must be followed should the discussion of the sale of the property move to the next level. He also noted that use of the park is low and there are a great number of residents and community members who would benefit from services that would be provided which they currently have to travel to receive.
Hear our full discussion with Mayor Canada on the topic below:
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