Last Tuesday night, the Clinton City Council pushed pause on plans to build a toddler park at the Peace Park Roque Court at the corner of Walnut and Main Streets after an outcry from Clinton residents voicing concerns over its proximity to railroad tracks.

While the City is committed to finding a better location for it, City Administrator Tony Harris says simply choosing a different location isn't that simple.

While the city purposefully avoids engaging on social media due to negative trends, the administration deeply encourages direct public contact. According to Mayor Helen Michelassi, parents told her a divided park layout creates a major logistical hazard for families who simultaneously care for both older children and toddlers.

An added layer to the discussion was Mayor Michelassi learning new details about the unique heritage of the site. The roque court was originally constructed entirely out of vintage railroad parts by local rail workers, and its perimeter fence was salvaged and refurbished from a local cemetery.

Mayor Michelassi is urging residents who previously emailed in support of preserving the site to call her directly at City Hall to provide hands-on assistance toward its long-term restoration.

Harris indicates that one of the main reasons for the location that was chosen for the proposed toddler park was to have an even distribution of parks throughout the community.

The project's cost was estimated at around $100,000.