“A New Era for Bellefontaine Parks” was the title of the Master Plan presented to the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation Board Tuesday night. The presentation culminated months of work and was very well received.
Prior to the presentation of the plan, Parks Superintendent Kris Myers reported to the board that spring track activities have been pushed back due to the unseasonably cold and wet weather the area has been experiencing. He said that there are 90 participants that have signed up, which is down from the 120 from last year. He also noted that rec league softball and baseball will start later this week with games beginning in earnest next week. Myers also said that scheduling for fall sports is ongoing.
Myers informed the board that dilapidated playground equipment has been removed from Ratleff Park and grass seed put down. This will allow new swings to be installed later this season.
The work day at Myeerah Park that had been scheduled for Earth Day had to be postponed due to poor weather. Myers said that another work day has been scheduled for May 13th from 8:30 to noon. Myers said interested persons should contact the park district to register by Thursday the 11th.
Myers stated that a contractor has been at the pool to look at the boiler, which needs to be repaired. Once he receives a quote, Myers said he will be notifying the board to move ahead with the repairs. Speaking of the pool, Myers said that there are currently 24 confirmed lifeguards for this season and his office is still taking applications.
K. John Freytag of Freytag and Associates of Sidney and Cindy Driskell of Jaccysn Design in Quincy then presented the master plan to the board. The plan listed several major objectives, including improving maintenance at the parks, improving facilities, an enhanced pathway system that provides connectedness to the parks, and increasing funding for the parks department.
Kris Myers explains what the master plan is and its process:
Key to the plan was the surveys that went out to city residents by various means including electronically and in the city water bill. In all, 541 surveys were received. The need for improved restrooms, more playground equipment, and walking paths was identified as existing park features that should be improved.
A splash pad, pool, fieldhouse/multipurpose building, and walking/bike paths were all items that were suggested to add to the existing parks in the city. For respondents, walking trails, more restrooms, playgrounds, and updates to the Hoffman Pool were identified as the most important issues.
Myers said that the plan will be presented to the city council next week.
