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Forty Fort Mayor Andy Tuzinski wowed some Luzerne County Council members Tuesday as he described the borough’s plans for the 35-acre, county-owned sports complex.
“It’s in our backyard, and we want to make it shine,” he said during council’s work session.
The borough is interested in managing the complex now that White Haven-based Whitewater Challengers Inc. has opted out of that role. The rafting adventure company had stepped up to maintain the athletic fields in 2010 to ensure they would remain open amid county budget cuts.
Under a proposed deal expected to be approved by council later this month, the borough would use any money collected from usage fees and other sources to maintain the complex and provide programs and recreational activities.
Tuzinski said borough officials want to enhance the soccer fields to make the complex a destination for tournaments that will attract visitors from other states, boosting business for local hotels, restaurants and stores.
Grants also may be pursued to add a playground and lighting at the complex, which would allow evening events. A water line extension will be explored to irrigate the fields, he said.
Stressing the venture won’t cost Forty Fort residents additional money, Tuzinski said the project is part of an overall plan to make the borough a recreational center.
As part of this effort, it is trying to create a recreational path so bicyclists and other Wyoming Levee trail users won’t have to cross busy intersections due to a gap in the levee trail.
The owner of land near the Cross Valley Expressway also is amenable to a rainwater park, Tuzinski said, noting he and others want to maximize the borough’s connection to the Susquehanna River and create more activities to keep youth busy outdoors.
Several council members praised the ideas, with Councilwoman Sheila Saidman saying the whole area will be a “gem.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing how this develops,” said Councilman Chris Perry.
Councilman Patrick Bilbow described the proposal as “exciting” and said youth need options for physical recreation away from electronic devices.