Traffic and parking problems around the Starkville Sportsplex could soon be alleviated when a new bridge is constructed adjacent to the facility off Lynn Lane.
After two years of discussions, the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors and the Starkville Park Commission Tuesday agreed to partner on a bridge construction project which would connect the Sportsplex to nearby Spruill Industrial Park Road. The bridge would cross a ditch full of bushes, trees and water, and help the Park Commission establish an overflow parking area, said Matthew Rye, director of the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department, which falls under the Park Commission.
During soccer tournaments and other events at the Sportsplex, motorists already park their vehicles along Spruill Industrial Park Road, Rye said, and that can cause safety issues.
“We”ve had problems with people parking on Spruill (Industrial Park Road) and with kids running into traffic,” Rye said. “People park on both sides of the road out there and it”s not very safe.”
Supervisors agreed to spend up to $10,000 on the project, while the Parks Commission pledged $4,000. Estimates put the cost of the project at more than $12,000.
Oktibbeha County road manager Vic Collins said crews could begin purchasing riprap for the banks of the ditch as soon as today. County Administrator Don Posey said the county will have to move some funds, or “rob Peter to pay Paul,” to pay for the project.
Still, District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer felt the bridge would create a safer and more convenient environment for all users of the Sportsplex.
“I think this is a small investment to make for the kind of return we”re going to see for the people of Starkville and Oktibbeha County,” Trainer said.
Rye said he was thankful for the support of the Board of Supervisors.
“We”re very appreciative,” Rye said. “We”ve been dealing with (supervisors) for a couple of years now and I understand the process, so we are very appreciative of them helping us.”
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