Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 14, 2023 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Tracy Tipton, Vice-President, Dave Button, Sam Zollman, Dawn McGahen, Park Director and Diane Peachey, Skatepark Enthusiast Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the July 11, 2023, meeting was approved as presented. (Button, Tipton) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Tipton, Zollman) Skatepark Discussion: Diane reported that she was working on sponsorship levels for donors. The board approved the levels listed and liked the idea of recognizing them at the skatepark site. Levels: Gold $20,000.00 +, Silver $10,000.00-$19,999.99 and Bronze $1,000.00-$9,999.99 (Tipton, Zollman) Directors Report: 1. Dawn is working with a family that would like to give the park money for a specific project. The board offered suggestions and asked Dawn to follow up with the family regarding this. 2. The park is working with individuals on a task force to assist The Crew in regard to their future operation. 3. Work has begun on dredging Sherman Street ditch. 4. Applied and had the mobile stage inspected for the annual permit required by the State Fire Marshall’s Office. 5. Both the Park and the KORC appropriation report for July look good. 6. Park Board discussed working with Apple Festival. 7. The board voted to a one-time expenditure of $20,000.00 to go towards the skatepark. (Button, Zollman) They also voted for a one time expenditure of up to $24,000.00 to go towards the 5-year Master Plan update. (Tipton, Zollman) Maintenance Report: 1. Staff continued to mow, pick up limbs and weed eat the park grounds. 2. Fixed loose and rotting boards on the Sunset Park bridge. 3. Covered up vandalism caused by spray paint on the nature trail observation deck. Recreation Report: 1. Daycamp ended with a field day at the KORC. There were 170 kids served this summer. 2. Oak Farm tennis team has been practicing on the tennis courts and it is going well. 3. The park will again partner with The Community Learning Center and Cole Center Family YMCA and host a kayak instruction class. 4. Euchre at the Youth Center has been going well with an average of 25 participants each day. 5. There will be two-disc golf fundraising events on The Woodland Trail course. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Report: 1. The wiffle ball tournament was a huge success with over 40 teams and lots of positive comments. 2. Field rental continues to generate income. 3. There are two fundraisers that will utilize the fields this fall. 4. A fall ball youth league and both adult men’s and co-ed softball leagues will start in August. 5. There are several soccer leagues using the fields this fall: NASA, St. John, Oak Farm and FC Revolution. Acceptance of Donations: None Board Input: Tracy asked that I take some pictures of the Cole Gardens and send them to the foundation as the flowers look nice. Dave mentioned that people playing disc golf in the east park almost hit him with a golf frisbee while he was riding his bike. The meeting was adjourned at 7:19pm (Button, Zollman)