Earlier this month, the city council expressed concern about investing more money into Island Park, which has steadily deteriorated since the historic flooding of the St. Joseph River in February 2018.

Monday, council members visited Island park to assess the damage, which included heavy layers of silt, broken pieces of the bridge leading to the park and other concerns.

This information could have been enough to cause the council to wash their hands of the park, move on and use funds elsewhere.

However, resounding feedback from city residents requested another solution. Many city residents have volunteered their time and money to repair the historic park, and asked the city council to reconsider.

City leaders were wise to come to a compromise. Instead of simply moving on with the project, they have requested bids to learn what it would cost to repair the bridge. This is not a promise to repair the park. However, by gathering bids, the city council will learn whether the project is within the realm of possibility, and, if community support continues, how much money will have to be raised to fund the project.

Once bids come in for this project, those with a vested interest in keeping the park operational need to ask themselves: Is this a top priority for your tax dollars? If this project is outside of the city’s budget, would you be willing to donate time or money to help restore the park?

The answers to these questions will provide the council with the knowledge they need to make a decision, so it is important that you share your position with the council. If you are willing to help out, be sure that is communicated. If you prefer money be allocated elsewhere, tell your ward representative.

We applaud the council for this compromise and the community for communicating its desires to this point. We encourage you to continue the conversation.

Opinions expressed are those of general manager Ambrosia Neldon, managing editor Sarah Culton and sports editor Scott Novak.