NextGen Committee Cancels East Side Park Project

Representatives of the NextGen group announced at last night’s Morris City Council meeting that they are withdrawing their offer to build an inclusive destination playground in East Side Park. The plan had previously been approved by both the Morris Park Board and the City Council.

The withdrawal comes after the grass-roots group Save East Side Park submitted 524 verified signatures of Morris voters who are opposed to the project being built in that location. Annette Watson with Save East Side Park noted that the town charter asked for 257 signatures, or 10 percent, of the 2,565 votes cast in the last election in order to slow the process. The 524 signatures represent just over 20 percent of the total votes cast.

Watson advised the Council to return the gift-park discussion to the City Planning Commission. City Manager Becca Schrupp said the Tourism Board is still collecting funds for park improvements.