Community leaders, business owners and area residents meet Thursday evening to discuss what can be done to improve Father Marinaro Park.

Thursday's meeting at Father Marinaro Park gathered more than opinions, and it might have even begun a full-fledged organization.

Cindy Parker, a resident who grew up on Butler's South Side, organized the meeting and was surprised that nearly 40 people attended.

“We're here today to work together for one purpose,” Parker said. “Every playground in this town should be fit for every kid in the neighborhood to play in.”

After the meeting, Parker stood with fellow park leaders Eric Mahler, committee director for the skate park, and Norman Felmley, president of the softball organization, to talk about future meetings and how to create a cleaner and fixed-up future for the park.

This is an excerpt of an article that appeared in Friday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to find out what community members — including a city councilman, local business owners and park neighbors — had to say about the park.