The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 12, in the Recreation Center Social Room.
Agenda items include a revised Board work plan for 2015, consideration of a request for Board support of a new trail on Parcel 405 in west Oak Ridge, and Oak Ridge Bocce, as well as a director’s report on Pellissippi Blueway.
Workers began demolishing the International Friendship Bell structure during the last week of July. (Photo by Bill Moore Jr.)
The Oak Ridge City Council will consider applying for a $100,000 grant application to help rebuild the Friendship Bell House in Alvin K. Bissell Park, and members will also consider a preliminary plan and re-zonings that would allow a retail development on 2.29 acres along South Illinois Avenue between Aldi grocery and Weigel’s gas station and convenience store.
If Council approves, the city would apply for a Friendship Bell grant from the Japan World Exposition 1970 Commemorative Fund, which supports projects that “contribute to international cultural exchange and international goodwill.” The city is requesting $100,000 to match $50,000 from the Oak Ridge Capital Projects Fund and $50,000 from private and community contributions and donations. The grant application outlines a 50/50 match requirement if the request is approved.
A February inspection determined that the 65-70 percent of the wooden support beams in the bell house were compromised and showed substantial deterioration, Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department Director Josh Collins said in a memo to City Manager Mark S. Watson. [Read more…]
