Othello to upgrade parks and playgrounds

OTHELLO — The Othello City Council on Monday approved a five-year, $3 million capital improvement plan to upgrade and add to the city’s parks and playgrounds.

According to Parks and Recreation Coordinator Randy Gomez, the plan will help the city use its money wisely and apply for loans and grants to help fund the improvements.

“The master plan outlines what we want to do,” he said. “It’s all estimates at this point. Nothing is set in stone, but it will help us move forward.”

Among the projects envisioned in the plan are $750,000 for the new Pride Rock Playground in Lions Park in 2022, and nearly $470,000 for a multi-court “Basketball Zone” in Lions Park that same year.

“People tell me they do want nice facilities in our parks,” said Mayor Shawn Logan. “This was why we apply for grants. That playground will probably be closer to $1 million.”