LEBANON — The city is developing plans for two new parks this year.

        The first, Miller Park, will be built on 46 acres the city has owned for eight years on the north side, amid several new subdivisions along Miller Road.

        The other, Bicentennial Park, will be developed downtown, in the block bounded by Main, Cherry, Mechanic and Mulberry streets.

        “My goal is to try to get a park within walking distance of all residents, whether it be a little tot lot or a big park .. ” said Bob Harris, director of Parks and Recreation.

        Miller Park's centerpiece will be a 5-acre lake with a gazebo. It is expected to have picnic shelters, basketball and tennis courts and playgrounds.

        “There's not a park in Lebanon like it,” said Louie Ferraro, whose Hampton Court home backs up to the proposed park. “I'd like to see it happen.”

        Residents seem especially excited by the prospect of being able to rent paddleboats at Miller Park, although Mr. Harris said that's not a certainty.

        The park won't come together all at once. The first priority is to dig the lake, because it will take about nine months to fill, Mr. Harris said. He also has applied for a grant for two shelters that will be awarded by May.

        Roads, parking and other elements may have to wait until 2002, he said.

        Plans for Bicentennial Park — named for the city's planned 2002 celebrations — are more tentative.

        Residents' and businesses' views on two possible park layouts will be sought at a Feb. 20 planning commission meeting.
       

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