Despite a general perception -- and a report here on Patch -- that Pierson Park is open, Village administrator Mike Blau said it is not.
"The park remains closed," Blau said. "The contractor has had a problem with grass growing at the park. The Village cannot open the park because people will walk over the minimal grass that has grown and that grass will die and there will be no grass in the park."
That said, the orange mesh fencing has come down which many -- including myself -- took as a symbol of welcome over the weekend.
"I guess I need to put up signs," Blau said.
The families enjoying the partial access to the long-awaited renovation say some park access this summer is better than none.
“We’re happy to finally be here,” one mother of a toddler and an older child said, as all were climbing, hanging and sliding on the two exciting new play sets.
Some are picnicking at new tables, while others are circling the smooth new walkways.
What isn’t working however is quickly apparent – one kid fumbled with the water fountains for a while before he realized they didn’t work; many tried to activate the spray ground unsuccessfully. Hoses still sit perched throughout the park, some which have had no luck growing the grass. The stage is taped off.
So the message is: further patience and stay tuned and sorry.
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