The Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Board of Trustees met in regular session Tuesday night and heard from Parks Superintendent Rick Reed about the formation of a new 501 (c) (3) foundation that will benefit the community. The Kris Myers Foundation, recently chartered by Christina Myers, will honor the legacy of former Parks Superintendent Kris Myers for years to come.
Reed said that Christina recently contacted him and expressed her desire to provide scholarships and grants in the name of the Bellefontaine Parks, to which her husband Kris devoted much of his life. To that end, Reed informed the trustees that Camp Myeerah will host a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day as a fundraiser for the foundation.
In addition, Reed said that the Foundation has agreed to pay half the cost of purchasing AEDs, which will be installed at area parks. Reed discusses the foundation:
Longtime Bellefontaine resident and friend of the parks, Terry Lunz, updated the trustees about work that he has been involved with at Fred Carter Park on the city’s north side. According to Lunz, the following projects were completed this past year:
- A large drain area was cleared out before the second major rainfall
- The front and northeast banks of the pond were cleared of brush
- 5 donated park benches were refurbished and placed around the pond
- The removal of an abandoned homeless camp
- 3 elevated wooden walkways were installed on the north side of the trail, in cooperation with Vineyard Church
- Several log jams were cleared out after the recent severe rains
- The installation of two ring stations
- Native trees and bushes are being planted
In addition, Lunz would like to add a bridge on the south side of the pond.
In his report, Superintendent Reed provided updates on several areas. He said that fall sports are winding down and winter sports sign-ups are continuing.
Reed also said the district is closely monitoring seasonal employee payroll. He is confident that the budgeted amounts will not be exceeded. He said several factors have led to the crunch, including seasonal employees working more hours, mainly because more mowing is needed. He also said that he moved trash collection to a seasonal employee from the maintenance director’s responsibility. In addition, the restroom facilities are being tended to every day.
At Myeerah, repairs to the floor and roof will need to be completed soon. Additionally, the deep freezer at the lodge needs to be replaced, as it has been leaking.
Reed noted that the demolition at the pool is complete and crews are beginning to excavate. He also said that the project is a few weeks ahead of schedule.
Reed said that the Finance Committee met recently and completed the initial 2027 budget for approval. There will be a scheduled 4% raise for employees in 2027, but everything else in the budget remained the same as in 2026. Reed said that this will be the first budget process he has been fully involved with, and he is more aware of the needs of the department.
On New Business, Reed said that he was contacted by OSU Extension Office Educator Jacob King, and there will be a tree-planting day on Saturday, October 17th. Reed said the Shade Tree Commission has also been involved in the event, and several memorial trees will be planted at Southview and Blue Jacket Parks, as well as several trees along Bent Pines courtesy of the Shade Tree Commission.
