Park Board Meeting

Kendallville Park and Recreation Department 211 Iddings StreetKendallville, Indiana 46755 Phone (260)347-1064 BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 12, 2023 6:30PM Present: Kevin Jansen, President, Tracy Tipton, Vice-President, Jen Blackman, Dave Button, Dennis Nartker, Dawn McGahen, Park Director and Diane Peachey, Skatepark Enthusiast Public Comments: None were given. Minutes of the May 8, 2023, meeting was approved as presented. (Blackman, Tipton) Claims were reviewed and approved as presented. (Nartker, Button) Skatepark Discussion: Diane told the board that she was working on several grants and has also reached out to local businesses for donations. She asked the board to consider ways that we could recognize donors. One suggestion was benches that could be placed around the perimeter. The board will think of ideas and forward them to Dawn. Directors Report: 1. The appropriation report for May shows both the park and the sports complex in good financial shape. 2. Weekly water tests continue so far they have been very good. 3. We are looking for options such as speed bumps to slow traffic down in the campground. 4. The board approved to let the city utilize the mobile stage for two concerts in the pocket park. 5. Dawn had a meeting with JPR regarding the Park’s 5-year master plan which is due in 2024. Maintenance Report: 1. Staff trimmed bushes, pulled weeds and put new mulch out in the front of the Youth Center. 2. Beaches are being groomed twice a week and the raft and ropes were put out on the East Beach. 3. Cut the high weeds along the ditch and bridge area in the campground. 4. Planted 60 trees, 50 in the Cole Gardens and 10 throughout the park system. 5. Tore out the rotted railroad ties along the horseshoe parking lot and near the archery range. 6. Fixed broken boards on the Sunset Park bridge. Recreation Report: 1. The princess concert in the park will be Wednesday June 14.2023 at 6:00PM at the west terraces. 2. Summer daycamp is going great. We have 160 kids signed up and a few on a waiting list. 3. Euchre at the Youth Center continues to have great attendance. 4. The kayak class that was a partnership with the CLC and Cole Center Family YMCA went very well. We hope to host more in the future. 5. Cub Scouts had their jamboree in the campground area and had several activities throughout the session. 6. The Patriotic Pops concert will be held on July 4, 2023 and Dawn is working to finalize all the details. Kendallville Outdoor Recreation Complex Report: 1. The complex continues to be busy with recreational league, travel games and tournaments. There have been a few issues with spectators that were handled. 2. Several area fire departments will use the complex parking lot for their annual hose testing. 3. Area law enforcement agencies are using the complex for emergency vehicle training. 4. Staff have worked on and fixed several issues with the irrigation system. Acceptance of Donations: - Mobile Stage: Experience the Heart of Kendallville $500.00 - Memorial Tree in honor of Betty Preston: Becky Brown (Baker Family) $289.00 - Park Office Supplies: Apple Festival $1200.00 Board Input: Jen Blackman: Asked if daycamp had full staff and Dawn told her we do at this time. She also said she would be happy to volunteer on July 4th. Dennis Nartker: Verified the dates and times for the Patriotic Pops and asked about VIP seating on the library balcony. Dave Button: Said that the park looks good. The meeting was adjourned at 7:44pm (Tipton, Nartker)