The Riverton City Council has decided to allocate $14,490 from the Wyoming Community Gas (WCG) Community Projects fund to enhance local parks, County 10 reports.
This marks the second consecutive year that WCG funding has been designated for park improvements in the city.
Last year, the funding was used to install security cameras at Riverton City Park. The cameras are still being installed, but city officials have already seen the value of the project.
“The cameras (were) a great idea,” said Mayor Tim Hancock during Tuesday’s council meeting. “Being able to have video (would) provide for increased safety there. So that’s … been a great use of the funds.”
This year, discussions have centered on further park upgrades, with lighting improvements at Riverton City Park emerging as a top priority. Councilmember Mike Bailey noted that residents have expressed concern about pedestrian safety, particularly with increased foot traffic near the skate park.
“One of these days somebody’s going to get run over there,” Bailey said. “I think helping improve the visibility and the lighting around City Park is going to be a huge help (and) hopefully save some lives.”
Mayor Hancock echoed those concerns, highlighting the intersection of Main Street and Washington Avenue as a particularly dangerous crossing. He emphasized that better lighting at that location could “make a difference for safety.”
Public Works Director Brian Eggleston estimated that installing lights at the Main Street and Washington Avenue intersection would cost about $6,000. That would leave approximately $8,000 for other potential park-related improvements.
City officials discussed using the remaining funds for additional lighting at other key locations, such as the Riverwalk, Rails-to-Trails, and other city parks. Other potential projects mentioned in a memo included downtown parking lot improvements, cases for cultural or historic displays at City Hall, landscape improvements at City Hall, and general park facility upgrades.
Local residents are encouraged to stay engaged in the process as the city finalizes its plans for the remaining $8,000. For more information, community members can contact the City of Riverton at (307) 856-2227.
