Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

The public has weighed in on what they want to see come to Brighton’s Kissane Park.

The City of Brighton released a survey earlier this year, asking residents what they would like to see done to the park, should they be able to receive funding for the projects. Some of the questions asked focused on if people were aware of the park, who used it and what they would like to see come to the park.

The results, which were shared during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, showed that residents would like new playground equipment, a walking loop and a covered pavilion. City Manager Gretchen Gomolka said she believed all three would be feasible depending on funding Brighton would need to secure.

Pickleball and a splash pad were also suggested, but officials said the property wouldn’t be appropriate for either of those features.

Many of the grants available, the council must have a consensus on what is being done and what the costs of the projects would be.

Gomolka said Brighton’s general liability insurance carrier came out recently to conduct risk analyses on all City buildings and facilities, and they said the park has no fallout area, meaning the playground equipment doesn’t have a cushion, such as woodchips or rubber matting if children fall. Their recommendation was to include a fallout element under the existing equipment if they don’t move forward with renovations.

The area has had a recent increase in young families who would be the most likely to utilize the park.

Suggestions from the board included having an ADA-compliant playground geared toward smaller children and maintaining the open field to allow the older children to play sports or other games, fencing off the area to ensure the safety of kids since the park is near railroad tracks and adding a portable bathroom. Council members also voiced that they would like to see a small covered area, but that the walking loop should be considered last.

Concerns were raised about the cost and how often the park would be used. Larger parks, such as Imagination Station and the playgrounds at Kensington, tend to attract more people. Several members said the families within walking distance of the park do use it, and older kids tend to play sports in the field.

The next steps for the park will be having a solid plan for what it should contain and having estimates drawn up so Brighton can apply for the necessary grants.

The next City Council meeting is on June 24.