The Zelienople Borough Council is taking an important step on two fronts that could impact the community in a positive way. Borough residents should feel upbeat about what is taking place and look for opportunities to provide input early on as well as when proposals evolve.

The two fronts in question are parking and the community park.

The council has authorized Don Pepe, borough manager, to seek bids for a study of downtown parking needs. According to the council, the study will examine all parking options, including construction of a tier garage.

Meanwhile, the borough also will be developing a master plan for the park. The council has hired Pashek Associates of Pittsburgh to prepare the plan and approved formation of a nine-member community advisory board to help decide what needs to be improved and what long-term projects should be undertaken.

Communities hoping to obtain state or federal grants and loans have an increased likelihood of success if they have completed plans for improvement. Slippery Rock Borough is one Butler County municipality that is proof of that, having obtained millions of dollars in state funds for its downtown revitalization effort as a result of having plans in place and being ready to proceed.

The foundation on which the Zelienople parking study is based is the desire to promote economic development. Borough officials recognize that adequate parking is a key component in making the community attractive to new businesses.

Likewise, facilities such as parks can be an asset in promoting the overall community to new business prospects, although the park study is geared primarily to providing the best facility possible for borough residents and people of neighboring communities who also enjoy coming to the park.

Grant money will help fund both studies. Whatever local funds might be required along the way should be regarded as money well spent.

Progressive communities always are looking for ways to improve themselves. They are not content with the status quo.