Fall has arrived but on some days I feel that winter is not too far away. The trees are beautiful but with one good day of wind they will be bare, as bare as the fields are now that the farmers are busy bringing in the crop. But while we are thinking winter there is still plenty of work being done here in the Village of Mt. Zion.
This summer the Harry Land Bridge and pavement project was completed and the trail system here in the Village was resurfaced. Also Mt. Zion Township has completed the installation of 3 parking spaces in the Township Park on the corner of Main and Bell Street. This allows people to visit the new sculptures in the park.
If you haven’t had a chance to drive by Fletcher Park you really should. Just a little over a year ago the field just south of the Intermediate School was a corn field. Today with all the work that has been done, we now have all the grading work done, a pond, an entrance bridge, retaining walls, a parking lot and entrance, some grass planted, and all three buildings are under construction. Beginning next month the boardwalk and bridges will be constructed and the entrance arch should be installed. There is a lot more work to be done but it’s amazing to me to see what has been accomplished in a year’s time.
Soon a campaign to help in raising funds for Fletcher Park will begin. Several donations have already been given and we hope to contact many corporations and individuals to help in getting this community park ready and open.
Bids will be opened in November for a new road that will connect Henderson Street and Main Street; you’ve probably heard it called the Henderson Street By-Pass. Completion of this road will be very helpful with traffic especially during school and park events.
The TIF area just off Rt. 121 is currently under construction. The road way and infrastructure are being installed. The plan for development is complete and the developer is in the process in obtaining businesses that would like to be included in this retail/residential site.
Before you know it the Village’s Christmas Decorations will be hanging along Rt.121 and Main Street. The Mayor, Village Board, staff and residents would like to thank the Mt. Zion Area Chamber of Commerce for their donation of more Christmas decorations. The Chamber has provided all the decorations that you see around the Village. Thanks again!
It’s time to plan for the next year as I move on, hope you stay warm, happy and healthy this fall.
Judy Roessler Director of Parks & Recreation
