Is a new park and farmer’s market coming to Sherwood?

            Linda Bennett of the Sherwood Friends of the Library addressed Sherwood Village Council on Wednesday about several ideas the group has for developing the downtown area. “With the Sherwood Crossing looming on the horizon, everyone is concerned about what’s going to happen to downtown Sherwood,” she said.

            Bennett said the group has been thinking about putting up a gazebo behind the library downtown, but discovered there wasn’t enough room.  That got members thinking about where one could go and if a new park could be formed. The former Sherwood Elementary School property, the pond by the old school, the old spiritual camp and the current Moats Park were all looked at as sites for the gazebo.

            It was decided that the pond area would be best to construct a gazebo. The area already has a parking lot and benches. The group suggested maybe the village, community, groups and businesses would be interested into making this area a new park.

            “We want to develop the park as a community endeavor,” said Bennett. “I really think if the community pulls together it will be good for Sherwood,” she said. "I’m looking to bring people to Sherwood.” Bennett said a committee would need to be formed to discuss a master plan, followed by a landscape design.

            She said that scout groups, businesses Four County Career Center students, master gardeners and more could participate in the project. Businesses may wish to donate lumber for the project. As far as possible vandalism, she said if youths are involved in building they are less likely to damage it.

            Mayor G. Clayton Miller said the park sounded like a good idea. Council agreed.    Councilwoman Joan Raker said committee meetings need to be set up. The Friends group constructing a gazebo at the new park would be fine, Councilman Mike Walker added.

            Bennett also said the group thought the old school property would be perfect for a farmers market. She pointed out that Hicksville and Paulding do not have one and that accessibility to the area would be fine. Council said they also liked that idea and would look into it.

            In another matter, Bennett informed council that the Friends of the Sherwood Library would hold its second annual spring fling May 6-8 at the library. Used books, plants and baked goods would be sold. Members would also like community garage sales to be held then, and the friends group would provide maps to the sales.

            Councilman Glen Vance said the Lions club was already planning community garage sales and the two groups may want to get together to discuss the sales.

• Agreed to enter into a lease with Sherwood Community Church for the church to use the old skating rink (former spiritual camp) April 1^st through September 30^th. The church is to pay $200 a month in rent, utilities and lawn maintenance around the building and drive. Liability insurance will be investigated.

• Heard the board of zoning appeals approved variances for lots 6-10, 12 in the Sherwood Crossing development. Council members were advised they didn’t’ need to approve the variances, but if they wanted to do so they could. Council approved those ordinances and others that had been approved by the zoning board on Tuesday.

• Agreed to vacate an alley from Vine Street to south of the right-of-way and from the north to the next right-of-way.

• Authorized village solicitor Steve Hubbard to review an information request, contract and example ordinance from the Regional Income Tax agency.

• Passed an ordinance for special purpose flood damage reduction. This allows residents in the village to obtain flood insurance.

• Passed a resolution concerning flood-prone areas.

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