The Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Trustees met Tuesday night and heard updates on several projects including the renovations at Camp Myeerah and the upcoming bond request. Parks Superintendent Kris Myers informed the board that work on the log cabin at the camp has begun in earnest. This marks the first phase of a multi-stage project aimed at preserving the cabin, which has been a central part of the camp for decades.
The first phase will include log repairs, the installation of a new standing seam metal roof by Yoder Family Roofing from Millersburg, and the addition of new spouting. Caleb Miller of JCM Timberwork in Killbuck is leading the log work. The cabin, a long-standing fixture at Myeerah and previously with the Girl Scouts, will eventually be transformed into a Nature Center and will also serve as a gathering space for educational programs and events. The cabin may eventually be used for overnight stays for families, making it a versatile community resource.
Myers talks about the updates at Myeerah:
The cabin restoration project is being sponsored by Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation, the Logan County Land Trust, and the Tamplin Trust and is expected to cost approximately $40,000. The restoration of the cabin is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the facilities at Camp Myeerah, which serves as a popular destination for outdoor education and recreation.
Myers also updated the board on the bond issue for 2025. He said that the city is currently waiting on its bond rating from Moody’s, which can be likened to a personal credit rating. The better the bond rating, the lower the interest rate on the bonds will be. Myers expects the rate to be excellent.
He also provided an update concerning the fall programs that are wrapping up and the winter programs that will be starting soon. Overall, Myers said he was pleased with the fall sports and the feedback from parents and citizens was largely positive. He said that registration is underway for several winter sports including wrestling and basketball. Thus far, the number of registrations received for the sports is similar to last year.
Concerning recreation league basketball, Myers said that all the parents were surveyed and 85% of respondents said they would prefer the games remain played on Saturday mornings.
There are several updates at various parks in the works. Myers said that requests for proposals for the Harmon Park project are due this Friday and the restroom updating projects at Rutan, Ratleff, and Southview Parks are having the design plans finalized with the goal of completion set for March of 2025.
Myers presented a new rental fee schedule to the board for their consideration. He said it has been several years since the fees were updated, and he feels that now is the time for a minor increase. Currently, fees for the lodge and troop house are $75 for the first four hours and then $25 for each extra hour. These fees will increase to $100 for the first four hours and $25 per extra hour. The weekend rate for these will increase to $200 for the first four hours from the current $175.
The largest increase is for the wedding package. Currently, the fee is $700 with no alcohol and $800 with. The new rate will be $800 with no alcohol and $950 with. The shelter rental fee for all shelter houses in the area will increase from $40 to $50 per day.
