Park Board

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 11, 2024 6:30PM Present: Tracy Tipton, President, Kevin Jansen, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker Sam Zollman, Dawn McGahen, Park Director, Diane Peachey, Skatepark Enthusiast, Zach Ruse, Kendallville Girls Softball League, Aubrey and Ginny Ray, Friends of the Park. Public Comments: Zach Ruse spoke on behalf of Kendallville Girls Softball. He inquired about the condition of the ball diamonds and the fence being installed at Sunset Park. He reported that there were 11 teams this year and 137 girls playing. Dawn is going to have Jason Meade follow-up with Zach regarding concerns about the ball diamonds. Friend of the Park was given to Aubrey and Ginny Ray for their 20 years of service to the Park Department. They have worked the entrance gate every weekend. They became friends with regular visitors to the park. Minutes of the February 12, 2024, meeting were approved pending the addition of Jason Meades name under attendees. (Jansen, Zollman) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Blackman, Zollman) Skatepark Discussion: Diane Peachey told the board that she has stopped out and visited the site and it is coming along nicely. She said we are still working on housing for the crew and watching the budget to make sure we stay within the amount projected. Directors Report: 1. The board was told about a problem with a past Youth Center rental. The renters didn’t clean properly and weren’t happy that we kept a portion of their deposit. 2. Money was transferred from the CFNC to the city skatepark fund to make paying of skatepark bills simpler. 3. We have placed two port-a-johns in the park for patrons to use. Staff have noticed that several people are using the park due to the warm weather, however, we can’t turn on water in the bathrooms until we have consistent warm nights due to freezing concerns. 4. City Councill passed the special ordinance which will allow us to set-up a campground fund. 5. The board and staff are working on goals for the 5-year master plan. They are also working on scheduling policies for the park. 6. We are looking at installing a stone fireplace in Lions Pavilion. 7. The board agreed to change three meetings this year due to conflicts and holidays. The meeting normally on August 12 will be moved to August 19. The meeting normally on October 14 will be held on October 21 and the meeting normally on November 11 will be held on November 18, 2024. 8. There will be a man visiting his family from out of country and he would like to camp for a month in the campground. The board voted to allow him to tent camp for the month that he is here visiting. (Jansen, Zollman) Maintenance Report: 1. Park and street staff have been working on the foundation and site preparation for the skatepark. 2. Limbs and garbage is being picked up throughout the park system. 3. Picnic Tables have been distributed within the park. 4. Staff have been working on structures for the new miniature golf course. 5. Cleaned brush and put a foundation down for sidewalk connectivity near the horseshoe parking lot. 6. Prepared the cabins for the skatepark crew to stay in. 7. Sanded the bathroom floors in the park to prepare them for epoxy. 8. Built a wall in the storage room at the KORC concession. 9. Tilled the garden plots for the season. Recreation Report: 1. Dawn is working on summer day camp paperwork, field trips, staffing, etc. 2. We are partnering with the YMCA on this month’s Y-experience. 3. We have two concerts scheduled in the park. June 5, 2024 will be the Princess Concert and July 13 is a worship concert consisting of local church bands. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Report: 1. Staff assembled and put out an additional set of soccer goals. 2. We are working on collecting Certificate of Liability forms from all users. As well as having groups sign yearly lease/rental agreements. 3. Jason has been working to schedule a British Soccer Camp to be held at the KORC. 4. Banner letters have been sent out and Jason has been visiting new businesses explaining the banner program to them.  Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 Acceptance of Donations: (Button, Zollman) - Mobile Stage: Classic City Church $500.00 - Special Donations: Eagle Scout Tree Project, Colton Ihrie $343.00 Board Input: Dave asked about the progress of the disc golf courses. It was reported that they are still being worked on but are looking very good and there are people playing a lot. Kevin asked how hiring of seasonal staff was going. Dawn explained that we have some returning and have received several applications and are starting the hiring process. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM (Zollman, Jansen)