Monongahela group considers forming rec board

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

New renovations at a park in Monongahela have caused residents to stand up to city officials and possibly form a recreation board.

On Friday, Monongahela Councilman Rusty Polonoli announced Phase I had begun on construction at the city’s Mounds Park, which included demolition of the site’s tennis courts to make way for new playground equipment.

But Saturday, some residents said they were surprised and saddened to see the project at the park and claimed council didn’t properly alert the public.

Resident Laura Magone, president of the Monongahela Area Historical Society, is spearheading an effort to form a rec board for the city.

“The problem is most residents feel they were blindsided by this and didn’t know this was coming,” Magone said. “It’s difficult during COVID when people can’t attend meetings in person. Many residents feel that good government is about presenting a plan for the public to see. You would publish something like that. For most people who went past Mounds Park and saw the tennis courts were ripped up, that was a gut punch.

“People are very upset, and they want council to reconsider. Residents should not have to choose between a playground and tennis courts, we should have both. Every town needs playgrounds. It’s a shame we’re talking about Monongahela having just one.”

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