City Council Discusses Zindel Park Ideas, Hears Various Use Requests

By Christopher Miller

LOCK HAVEN – City Council met Monday evening to discuss various city business.

City Planner Abbey Roberts met with Lumber Heritage Region on February 25 to discuss a feasibility study at Zindel Park.

“Lumber Heritage Region wanted to look at what could be done with the site,” Roberts said. “We want to know a cost estimate so the city knows the potential cost of rehabilitation to possibly prioritize seeking grants for improvements.”

Council member Heather Alexander said that she was, “trying to understand why the community feels the need to save the house.”

Mayor Joel Long responded that the city maintains the grounds there, mows the lawn, and that he loves historic structures, but this one is just unused, and that the area is more to be sure that the city’s water supply is clean, and that no money is budgeted for improvements to the park.

Council member Jeff Brinker suggested that the area has a certain nostalgia about it.

“There are many weddings that happen there, and the building has a sense of nostalgia for them, it’s a neat facility and I can see the community wanting to get behind it,” he said. “Maybe there is an alternative roof we can get for it and maybe the community would support that.”

Heather Alexander suggested approaching a local contractor and to, “create a committee to revitalize and take it over from the city.”

City Manager Greg Wilson mentioned that surveys for public input will be put out as part of the feasibility study.

City use requests included various requests made by Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. for events throughout 2025, the closure of streets and alleys for LH JAMS in August, the use of Triangle Park by Roads to Peace, the installation of three crosses at Triangle Park for Easter, and the use of Zindel Park for a wedding.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection certified that Phase 1 of the Ohl Dam Improvement Project has been completed.

In new business, David Dietrich was appointed as city representative on the Ross Library Board, Chief Rickard was appointed to the city’s certified safety committee following Lt. Gregory’s resignation, and a letter was sent to UPMC regarding the use of the hospital and if a new PILOT program should be negotiated.