The City of Warren Parks and Recreation Commission doesn’t make the final determination on whether any park project moves ahead.

That responsibility falls to the Warren City Council.

But in their advisory capacity they are a bit of a gatekeeper and they heard three pitches for park projects looking for their support during this week’s meeting. One was the outgrowth of a Trestle to Trestle recommendation that has been part of city riverfront development planning for some time — a bike pump track and skills park in the vacant area adjacent to the city’s sewer pump station at the base of Market Street.

Jim Decker, WCCBI president/CEO, said he was before the committee to make them aware of the concept that “goes to continuing development of the riverfront.”

“Effectively, these are facilities that allow folks to learn how to ride bikes,” he explained, describing the pump track as a “series of undulations.” The skills park “takes it kind of to the next level.” Those elements are typically wooden and are accessible by both children and adult riders.

Decker said the project “ties in directly” with the Trails at Jakes Rocks and the businesses that are growing adjacent to the proposed location.

Andy Georgakis with the Warren Cycle Shop said this type of development “really covers everybody. It covers a broad scale of people, ages and rider levels.”

Betts Park was the focus of the other two proposed initiatives.

Alex Strassburg pitched a disc golf course. “This has become something I’ve fallen in love with,” he said. “Disc golf has become the most rapid growing sport in the country.”

He told the committee that the total cost to build a well-designed course would be $28,000, but a course of lesser quality could be constructed for $18,000.

The other Betts proposal was for expanded pickleball opportunities.

Doug James told the committee that the courts at Beaty are difficult to access, the restrooms are not always open and players have to bring their own net.

“It’s become just an amazing sport that has grown,” Kim Mong explained.

She highlighted expanded playing options, an increase in players as well as a Facebook group just for pickleball players in this community.

James said they’re looking for four outside dedicated courts with parking near the current bocce facility at the park.

He said if such development were to occur they would likely move ahead with forming a formal pickleball club.

Committee chair Mike Suppa asked if they’re looking for public financing and James indicated they are.

Mong said she believes there are people and organizations that would contribute but isn’t sure how to pursue that.

Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz said the city “can work with the next step. We’re familiar with those avenues.”