During the September meeting of the Oakboro Board of Commissioners, Larry Branch spoke about proposed improvements to Long Street Park.

Branch said the town has received a matching grant in the amount of $172,800 to be used to improve Long Street Park. The town’s contribution will be $86,400. The funds will be used for playground equipment, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, paving of the parking lot and renovations to both the inside and outside of the community building.

“This playground is unique and different from any playground we’ve ever had in Oakboro,” said Branch. The playground will include a rubber base that is accessible for handicapped children.

The board approved the plans for Long Street Park.

In other matters:

• The board approved the accounts payable in the amount of $351,312.11.
• Police Chief TJ Smith spoke on behalf of Esther House of Stanly County regarding October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Esther House provides safe shelter and services for domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking victims. On Saturday, September 16, Chief Smith participated in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event to raise funds and awareness for domestic violence. Chief Smith read a proclamation for October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month which the board adopted.
• Chief Smith presented the monthly police report as follows: 407 neighborhood/business checks, 69 citations and 87 calls for service.
• During open forum, Chris Palmer, a resident of the Oak Glen Subdivision, requested that the town consider installing one or two speed humps on the road entering the neighborhood. Palmer said the speed limit is 20 mph, but traffic goes 45 mph, a speed which Palmer said is dangerous for the neighborhood children.
• The board approved paving and patching work in the amount of $22,711 for the following roads: 6th Street, 10th Street, East 1st Street, Railroad Street and East 7th Street.
• The board approved a bid of $4000 from Jason’s Tree Service for the removal of 20 dead trees at the park.
• A public hearing was set for Monday, October 16 regarding a request from Joel Thomas for the rezoning of a property on 8th Street from R-20 to Industrial.
• The board approved a request from the Garden Club to install a plaque in the memorial park commemorating the club’s work at the park and listing founding members of the committee. The club must present a plan for the plaque prior to installing in the park.