Times Observer file photo City Council members will see an application for work at Mulberry Park in April, according to Mike Holtz, Warren city manager.

While Lacy Park will see activity as soon as winter’s icy grip finally lets loose, projects at another city park are moving ahead behind the scenes.

Updates on work at two city parks were discussed this week by City Council members after Mayor Dave Wortman asked for an update from Mike Holtz, city manager. Holtz and city staff presented work at Mulberry Park to area foundations recently as the city looks to pay for proposed improvements. Holtz said the foundation has approved the city’s request. City staff are working to secure the rest of the money for the park work and will bring it back to the council by April 30.

“We’re getting the money put together for Mulberry,” Holtz said. “It’s a good thing. Mulberry certainly needs help.”

Last year, about 200 responses about what city residents want to see happen at Mulberry Park were received. Data showed two-thirds of responders had a child living with them or grandchildren who use the park. Preferences for potential upgrades include holding the summer playground program there, a splash pad, fitness trail and pavilion.

City officials are also working to address drainage concerns at the park.

Holtz also discussed upcoming improvements to Lacy Park in conjunction with the Warren Rotary Club, which has been raising money for Lacy Park for the past few years. The park will soon feature a completed walking trail encircling its perimeter. Lacy Park has undergone a series of transformations over the past few years, with major renovations taking place three to four years ago. The improvements included the installation of a pavilion, new playground equipment.

The walking trail will also receive a boost from city crews doing in-kind work to help the process along.

“If and when the winter ever leaves us we will begin,” Holtz said. We will be putting the legs down at Marion and Madison to close that gap. That’ll be done the first part of the summer right out of the chute. They’ll have that walking trail finished so the parents can walk around the park. That’s a great project. The Rotary (Club) has done an excellent job getting that funding secured. We helped them out on some of the applications for the funding. That’s what we’re here for.”