Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
A small neighborhood park will keep its current use after the Shawano Park and Recreation Commission on Wednesday reversed a previous decision to sell the land for residential development.
The city went to court last month to get approval to alter the city plat and discontinue Hartman Park, located at Andrews and Stevens streets.
City officials argued the park has to be maintained but is seldom used because Memorial Park — along with its ball diamonds, shelters and other amenities — is so close by.
They said the property could be split into at least two residential lots that would add to the city’s tax base.
But the court also heard from a number of neighbors who attended the hearing to rally behind Anita Hartman, whose father, Edward, donated the property to the city for use as a park some 70 years ago.
They disputed the city’s contention that the park is seldom used.
Hartman also told the court she would be willing to donate some park equipment.
Judge James Habeck said the city met all of its legal requirements for vacating the park and altering the city plat, but he suggested the matter go back to the park and recreation commission to reconsider in light of Hartman’s offer.
The commission heard from Hartman and several supporters Wednesday before voting unanimously to leave the park as it is.
Hartman said she was relieved by the commission’s vote, which came after months of uncertainty about the park’s fate.
“The frustration has been immense,” she said.
Shawano Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks said department staff would meet with Hartman to discuss what type of equipment could be donated.