Public asked for input on park improvements

Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and the Pinckney Neighborhood Assn. will conduct a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 to discuss future improvements to Clinton Park.

The meeting will be at the Clinton Park shelter, 901 W. Fifth St.

David Hamby, a consultant for the project from BG Consulting, will gather information from park patrons to use to create a master plan.

The master plan is being financed through a Community Block Development Grant, which the Pinckney Neighborhood recently received.

For questions regarding the Clinton Park plan, contact Mark Hecker, park maintenance superintendent, at 832-3454.

Safe Schools program gets new director

A former Head Start administrator will direct the three-year, $9 million safe-schools project starting this year in Lawrence public schools.

Chris Squier, formerly of Hays, will manage the Safe Schools/Health Students program. She is married to Lavern Squier, the new president and chief executive officer of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

The program is a partnership among the school district, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Lawrence Police Department, Kansas University Center for Research on Learning and Success by 6.

It addresses school safety; alcohol, drug and violence early intervention; mental health prevention and treatment; early-childhood development; education reform and school policies.

The grant is from the U.S. education, justice and health and human services departments.