The John M. Ryan Memorial Park in Rush Township will be getting upgraded to provide more recreational opportunities.

Rush Township supervisors started the process at Thursday’s meeting by tentatively accepting a bid for the improvement work.

The bid, from Spotts Brothers of Schuylkill Haven, was the only one received and quoted a price of $113,812.66.

The bid will be accepted after it is reviewed by township Solicitor Chris Reidlinger, ARRO Engineering and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which awarded the township a $76,000 grant for the project.

Work will include removal and resurfacing of the tennis court. The court will be re-lined for both tennis and pickleball.

New nets for the tennis court will be installed, as well as new basketball nets. A new and higher fence rounds out the project.

“So it’s going to be a multipurpose area,” said William McMullen of ARRO Engineering.

The park, which is near the intersection of Keller and Ye Olde Hauto roads in the village of Hometown, also has a disc golf course, walking trail and benches.

Supervisor Robert Leibensperger said volunteers are always needed to help with the township parks. In addition to Ryan Park, the township has Kelly Park, Lincoln Playground, Miller Park and ball field; Quakake Park and Playground and Grier City Playground.

In other business, the board hired Ronald Kazakavage as a part-time police officer at a rate of $23 per hour.

Supervisors noted that the April meeting will be held at 7 p.m. April 9 instead of April 18.

The township’s office will be closed March 29 for Good Friday.

Leaf and branch pickup will be held April 8.