By Annie Rowe

SDN Staff Writer

The renovation of Towle Memorial Park may or may not be on schedule, depending upon whom you ask.

If you ask the division of Texas Parks and Wildlife, the process is moving as planned. If you ask parks and recreation director Scott Crenwelge, it’s like watching the Towle Park grass grow.

“I’m excited and I’m ready to get this all underway,” said Crenwelge. “As a matter of fact, I was ready yesterday.”

But as with most governmental agendas, the project is moving slower than anyone would like.

The park’s schematic proposed design is currently being outlined by the firm of KDC Turner and Associates. Crenwelge hopes to have their initial illustrations in hand by Feb. 9. However, that will just be the start of the process.

“That’s been a big holdup. We’ve been trying to complete the initial survey and it’s a slow process,” he said.

After the drawings are completed, they will be reviewed and then re-submitted to KDC Turner to complete the changes. Once the changes have been completed, the plans will then be submitted to Texas Parks and Wildlife for their approval and that’s where the time factor could become a real speed hump for the project. The process of reviewing and approving the park plans could take Texas Parks and Wildlife at least two months.

“Taking care of all the paperwork is the slowest part. I wish there were a way for everything to move faster, but there just isn’t at this point,” he added.

Two additional surveys are scheduled. An archeological survey is scheduled to begin next week. The American Archeological Group will be in the park to study any historic archeological sites. After that a biological survey of wildlife, vegetation and grasses will be required.

“These surveys have to be done to satisfy the grant. We just have to get them done and then move right along.”

Improvements to the park are not at a complete standstill, however. Crenwelge is working closely with Vicki Shroyer, executive director of the Snyder Chamber of Commerce, planning a number of enhancements.

“We’re doing some remodeling that should be in place in time for the Fourth of July celebration. I’m happy to say that we have a wonderful relationship with the chamber and Vicki has been a great help.”

Crenwelge and his crew have turned their attention to remodeling the main restrooms at the park rather than build new ones.

“We decided that it would be more cost-effective to remodel the facility that we have and make it as nice as we possibly can,” he said.

Parks and recreation crews also have been installing new lights for the little league baseball field.

Crenwelge also said that next year’s Lighted Christmas Parade is again planned to be held in the park. Additionally there are plans to go a step further by hosting a Christmas festival that would be a one or two day event.

Crenwelge isn’t twiddling his thumbs waiting for the approval process to be completed. He is currently completing the necessary applications for another grant through the Tony Hawk Foundation for the future skatepark. The foundation furnishes grants between $5000 and $25,000 to build skate parks nationwide for skateboarding enthusiasts.

“This project is very important to a lot of people and I really hope that everyone will stay excited about it. Once we’re past all of the red tape, people will really begin to see changes. Next year the park will have a whole different look.”