The Bellefontaine Park Board held a regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday evening at the Hoffman Municipal Pool.
At the top of the agenda was an update on fall youth sports programs. Sixty-four players have signed up for tackle football, and 19 have signed up for flag football. The first game for tackle football will take place on the 26th of August, while the flag football team will be partnering up with West Liberty’s own to play on Sunday afternoons.
In youth soccer, there were 336 total sign-ups. 110 players joined U7/8, 86 joined U9, 60 joined U11, 30 joined U14, and an additional 33 are shared between the two travel county middle school teams. The board hopes to recruit volunteer coaches for these county schools.
Tuesday also marks the first day of fall softball at Ratleff Park. And later, as part of the Special Olympics, the Miracle League is set to play an exhibition against the Logan County Braves.
It was also announced that, through the city, the park board will replenish approximately $14,000 of the pool salary which was recently used to cover the costs of a new heater and filters.
Kris Myers, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, shared that the pool has performed especially well this year, seeing an increase in swim lessons and passes sold, as well as more staff hired and retained.
A new rule at the pool has also been instated. Where, previously, anyone not wearing swimwear was allowed to enter for free, now only adults supervising children may enter without a fee.
The pool is set to close on August 13th.
For Community Care Day, volunteers will replace worn-out dugout roofs at Ratleff Park with temporary tarps, among other projects.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be returning to Myeerah Nature Preserve to spot-spray invasive species and support the growth of native plants, at a contract cost of $2,500.
The board also discussed the possibility of demolishing two worn-down houses on the Myeerah property. If a grant for the project were secured, the land would be returned to green space, unless the board decided to rebuild in that area.
Kris Myers reflects on the projects at Myeerah and the pool’s success:
The board also approved June minutes and paid bills for both June and July.
