By Greg Ellison

(Nov. 11, 2021) Berlin’s Parks Commission discussed proposed ping pong and disc golf projects at its facilities during its meeting last Tuesday.

We Heart Berlin President and CEO Tony Weeg and board member Brian Robertson reported on recent fundraising efforts and planned equipment purchases for ping pong at John Howard Burbage Park.

Weeg said the organization netted nearly $20,000 from beer sales during the Oktoberfest celebration in Berlin on Oct. 16.

“After paying our vendors, we have the money to purchase our first two tables and make our dream come true of this ping pong park,” he said.

Weeg said the group also intends to donate $1,000 from the beer kitty to support arts and entertainment endeavors in Berlin.

Although architectural renderings are still being completed, Weeg said the group wanted to purchase ping pong tables ahead of schedule.

“Due to supply chain issues, we wanted to buy tables and not wait,” he said.

Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen asked if the Parks Commission had approved the long-sought ping pong addition at the William Street location.

Weeg said the proposal was included on a parks project “wish list,” previously shared with the mayor and Town Council.

“A wish list is not the same as final approval,” Bohlen said. “It still needs to go before the mayor and council.”

Public Works Superintendent Jimmy Charles asked how ping pong tables would be installed.

Weeg said tables would be attached to bolts protruding from an associated concrete pad.

“We’ll be able to take them off and put them back on,” he said.

Weeg said design plans would include a minimum five-foot setback from sidewalks and also include a red brick retaining wall.

“Two red-brick sections that go across the front of each of the tables in between the street and the tables,” he said.

Weeg said both ping pong tables and nets would be constructed of aluminum.

“We won’t have to worry about replacing the nets,” he said.

While precise measurements for the roughly 360 square foot concrete pad have yet to be determined, organizers are confident the ping pong area would be located a safe distance from William Street.

“Balls will never get to the road,” he said. “ You couldn’t hit it that far.”

Bohlen said parking layouts would also be important to the mayor and council.

“You can’t block the driveway for public works and the power plant,” she said.

Weeg said the group is also raising money to replace a section of seating existing onsite.

“It’s rather decrepit,” he said.

Robertson said the intent is to transform the park area into a functional space.

“The idea for the retaining wall is just to add seating,” he said.

Bohlen confirmed that the current Burbage Park seating dates back three decades.

Although not guaranteed, Bohlen said the matter probably could be added to the agenda for the mayor and council meeting the following Monday.

“I don’t see a problem,” she said.

Weeg expressed relief the project appears to be gaining momentum.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for years,” he said.

Weeg also asked about the status of a proposed disc golf course at Stephen Decatur Park and the possibility of We Heart Berlin aiding the effort.

“Our NPO (nonprofit organization) would like to pick up the ball on the disc golf idea,” he said.

In September, Eastbound Disc Golf organizers held the latest round of talks with the mayor and council about a proposed 18-hole course at Decatur Park.

Bohlen said disc golf proponents were scheduled to present additional details to the mayor and council during its Monday, Nov. 8 meeting.

“Eastbound Disc Golf is still in the picture,” she said. “It is not a matter of who is proposing, it’s the mayor and council wants to see the right combination of factors.”