Gazebo Planned for Pine Community Park

Imagine a gazebo in Pine Community Park that can be used for weddings and concerts.

That's what the Friends of Pine Community Parks did, and they earmarked $40,000 to make that vision come true.

The gave its OK on Monday for plans to proceed to build the 24-foot octagonal gazebo behind

Belle Vernon Landscape Supply of Belle Vernon submitted the low bid for building the gazebo at $25,804. No tax dollars are involved,  so it is up to the Friends to award the bid.

John Gill, chair of the township's Parks and Recreation Commission and a director on the Friends' board, said the nonprofit group has budgeted up to $40,000 for the project.

That includes landscaping around the structure, for which the Friends will seek a separate bid, said Joni Patsko, director of parks and recreation and also a Friends director.

Supervisor Frank Spagnolo expressed concern about footing for the structure, saying he opposed putting it on dirt. 

Township Assistant Manager Scott D. Anderson suggested alternatives, such as using bricks or blocks. 

After the meeting, Patsko pointed out where the gazebo will be located, off the corner of the building where the community room is located on the second floor.

She said the gazebo will be made of vinyl, with a two-tiered roof of rubber shingles and a floor of recycled plastic -- all with low maintenance in mind.

The gazebo will be beige and green, in keeping with design guidelines established for the park. Patsko envisions the structure being rented out for weddings, concerts, birthday parties and other events. 

"We've been asked about having outdoor weddings," said Patsko, adding that one wedding already has taken place at Pine Community Center. The couple was married in the board meeting room and had the reception in the community room, which holds 160 people.

The gazebo will provide another venue, said Patsko, and the landscaping will "create a really pretty atmosphere."