Ideas abounded at a recent Slatington Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

Most vocal was member Jon Rinker, who said he would like to see the borough-owned vacant lot at Diamond and Chestnut streets, which the commission has discussed making into a park, become the new skateboard/bike park that teens and other young adults in the area have been trying to make come to fruition.After listing several things that would need to be done there, including blacktopping it and adding a drain, Rinker said the park could then be used by the skaters and bikers, with their removable ramp equipment, in the warmer months and, in the colder months, flooded to make an ice-skating rink.Member Dave Schnaars said it would need a fence around it and that the borough engineer should be consulted in regard to the park's planning."Nevertheless, it will be an asset to our community to do this," Rinker said.No final decisions were made.Discussion also revolved around making sure Victory Park is prepped for the borough's upcoming 150th celebrations, especially because the park will play such an integral role.Members talked about the pavilion roof there, wondering if a 150th charter member had stepped forth yet, as they hoped one would, to take on the project of re-shingling it."No one's come forward yet," reported Chairman Robert Stettner."I guess we really have to put the word out now … try to get somebody to do that," said Rinker.Schnaars also recommended that people who want to string banners near the park about upcoming events, like the recent "Running of the Dawgs," ought to do so on the old PPL property at the corner of Main and Grove streets so they will be most visible. Rinker pointed out, however, that once Victory Park's new sign is placed on that corner, hanging banners there may no longer be a good idea.Next, Schnaars commented that the borough road crew has been fixing up the volleyball area. Rinker said he also believes borough foreman John Bolton will be stringing lights there, too.Later, Schnaars followed up on the "Safe Streets" grants he had mentioned at the last meeting that he hoped could be obtained for two projects: to fix the "Hundred Steps" and also to move a crosswalk at Victory Park's Main Street entrance then add sidewalks to and from it.Schnaars reported that only the Transportation Alternatives Program grant for the sidewalks had been awarded but that the other may be approved next year.