LANDIS — As the town of Landis draws closer to the groundbreaking ceremony of the D.C. and Frances Linn Community Park, members of the park’s planning committee are working to iron out details.

The park is located at 115 North Central Avenue in the heart of downtown Landis. It is named in honor of the Linns, who wished to see the community prosper, so they donated the land for its development. Not only did Linn donate the land where the park could be built, he also left land to be sold by the town to help fund the park.

On Monday, members of the planning committee met at Landis Town Hall to discuss potential bench styles for the park, to approve the dates and methods of disbursement for park surveys and to hammer out catering and the like for the groundbreaking ceremony, scheduled to be held on Friday, May 2. 

The two bench styles that the committee discussed were called the Georgetown and the Waldorf. The Georgetown benches have slats that are made of recycled plastic and are described as long-lasting and maintenance-free. The frames are cast iron and powder-coated in black or white. It features a contoured style and comes with multiple armrests to divide seating space. Its most prominent design feature is scroll-style artwork.

The Waldorf benches have broad high-arching armrests and are made from aluminum frames. 

“Both come with a center bar that has been part of the discussion of what we want,” said Jessica St. Martin, committee member and Landis parks and recreation director. 

St. Martin went on to say that from a maintenance standpoint, “both benches are comparable.”

Committee Chair Michelle Gray said she was worried about the Georgetown style because of the prospect of a small child getting stuck on a person’s clothes being snagged. 

Architect Bill Burgin of Ramsay Burgin Smith Architects, Inc. in Salisbury is working with the town on the park design. Of the benches, Burgin said, “I think both would service you well. The plastic is going to expand and contract more. You will get some movement in that. Other than that, I can not think of any advantages or disadvantages.”

As for Gray’s concern, Burgin said, “When looking at these things you have to consider if a four inch-balloon could pass through the gap.”

Committee member Katie Sells said she liked the design of the Georgetown and thought its decor reflected the late Mrs. Linn’s taste for nice things. 

Sells motioned to approve the Georgetown benches which ultimately passed and then the committee approved charging $5,000 for the benches as donations to the park fund in fashion similar to the brick fundraiser that the town is doing. 

Information on the brick fundraiser can be found on the town’s website on the main home page by clicking the D.C. and Frances Linn Park tab. 

Members of the committee also discussed distribution of a survey they had put together to gauge public interest and feedback in the park.

While the survey has not been finalized yet, the questions focus topics such as overall excitement about the park, and desired features such as a playground, walking trail, picnic areas and dog parks, etc.

The survey also attempts to glean what kind of activities people would like to see at the park and asks about potential security features. 

Per the committee on Monday, the plan is to distribute the surveys when the town mails out utilities bills in April. However, the committee expressed interest in putting the surveys in community space where they will also be accessible such as the YMCA, library and the current parks. 

The goal is to get as much feedback as possible and Town Manager Michael Ambrose indicated on Monday that information from surveys can be very helpful when applying for funding grants. 

With the groundbreaking ceremony nearing, the committee members set out Monday to make plans for the big day, such as catering and chair set up.

“We looked into renting 50 chairs and a small stage with skirting,” St. Martin said. 

She added that they also wanted to include standing tables. 

“I was going to submit a request for $5,000 for the event but wanted to make sure we had a good threshold to stay under,” St. Martin said.