WMOK Begins to Sort out the Lincoln / Civitan Park on East 5th Street in Metropolis – the unfolding topic: Audio, Video and more within

Metropolis Mayor Don Canada discusses the current construction and future of Civitan / Lincoln Park with WMOK

Bringing You Up to Speed on Previous WMOK Coverage of the Issue That You May Have Missed

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Rather abruptly in Metropolis – around the beginning of October community conversation began in Metropolis regarding “what is the current work being done at Lincoln / Civitan Park” (on east 5th street in Metropolis) and “what is the future of Lincoln / Civitan Park”.

WMOK noted the construction and advised that we would follow up with Mayor Canada on his next regularly scheduled Coffee Break. We have this portion of that Coffee Break below

Oct 19, 2023 | 4:49 PM – (WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Mayor Don Canada joined WMOK this morning for his regularly scheduled Coffee Break.

One of our primary topics was recent work being done at Lincoln Park on East 5th Street in Metropolis – known by many as Civitan.

Mayor Canada advised that the work is part of the lining of pipes – a project that led to a new project of locating a manhole opening.

The manhole opening has been located – deep beneath the general vicinity of second base. The surface remains disturbed as the city awaits a riser which will bring the opening to the surface so that it can be more readily accessed.

Mayor Canada advised that during the course of looking into grants for improvements at Lincoln Park it was discovered that there was no deed on the plot of land.

This led to a title search to try and determine the definitive origin of the property during which time interest was expressed by a local health provider to possibly purchase the land to build a new medical facility which would provide dental and obgyn as well as other services.

That – coupled with the improvements that need to be made to the park – has led to a conversation about the potential sale of the property.

As word began to make it through Metropolis that the park might be relocated some residents began to express concern.

Some were concerned for the loss of the recreational space to the community, some were affected by the nostalgia of dusty ball uniforms and Khoury League and still others were concerned as to whether proper protocols were being followed regarding the sale of the park by the city to a private business.

Mayor Canada told WMOK that at this time the discussion regarding the sale of the property is just that – a discussion. He said there are many items from both aspects that would need to be further looked into before such a decision could be made.

Mayor Canada expressed his own nostalgia regarding the “Civitan Ballpark” as he used to coach there. The Mayor went on to explain the proper protocols which must be followed should the discussion of the sale of the property move to the next level. He also noted that use of the park is low and there are a great number of residents and community members who would benefit from services that would be provided which they currently have to travel to receive.

Hear our full discussion with Mayor Canada on the topic below:

We continue to follow the story from here on Fairgrounds Road in Massac County

Current Construction and Future of Civitan / Lincoln Park - WMOK, Metropolis IL

11.14.23 (WMOK) Metropolis, IL – In Monday night’s City Council Meeting former Mayor Beth Clanahan was present to speak during the public comment. See the full video below of last night’s Metropolis City Council Meeting.

Following the City Council Meeting WMOK spoke directly with Clanahan.

WMOK – Metropolis · Clanahan Speaks On Lincoln Park Following Council Meeting 11.13.23

Following the Council meeting WMOK’s Kim Comer asked Mayor Don Canada if he would like to comment; the Mayor advised that he will discuss it further when he joins us for his regularly scheduled Coffee Break on Thursday of this week.

We encourage you to get involved in Coffee Break – You may text questions or topics for our guests to 618-524-9209. We note a lot of commentary on social media and we invite you to share you thoughts with us.

One of the issues of the topic is the history of the fire bell that has stood at the park on east 5th in Metropolis for decades. Metropolis Fire Chief Micah Tolbert spoke on the history of the bell via social media on Tuesday.

We’ll have more follow-up on the bell and its history moving forward.

Mayor Canada Addresses Lincoln / Civitan Park and Citizens Request at Monday Evening's City Council Meeting

11.16.23 (WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Mayor Don Canada joined WMOK for his regularly scheduled Coffee Break this morning. Following our discussion of other topics that we regularly cover with Canada when he joins us – such as the new location for Happy Hearts Senior Center in the coming months and enforcement of “camper ordinances” – we revisited the current community conversation regarding the future of the Lincoln Park on east 5th street in Metropolis.

Hear our discussion on the topic in the Soundcloud Player below:

WMOK – Metropolis · Metropolis Mayor Don Canada Civitan Audio November 2023

WMOK – Metropolis · Clanahan Speaks On Lincoln Park Following Council Meeting 11.13.23