Park Board Approves Paving Project; Discusses Calendar

The Parks & Recreation Board met on April 5 to discuss paving of the parking lots at the city park, among other business.

The board was informed that the City of Holden and the Street Department presented a proposal on paving of the parking lots at the city park, and discussion followed.

The areas to be paved would be the main parking area by the ballfield, the drive from the main parking lot to the playground parking lot, and the parking areas at the playground area.

The board learned the asphalt would be provided at no cost, as it would be left over from previous projects.

The Park Board would be responsible for paying the cost of the speed bumps, which would be approximately four of them, and the equipment rental used to stripe the parking lots.

The timeline of this project would depend on supplies and the weather. The goal is that it will be completed in 2021, but it could possibly carry over into 2022.

Park Board member David Anstine moved to approve coordination with the city in conjunction with their pavement project. It was agreed that the Park Board will provide the speed bumps. After a second to the motion, the measure passed.

In other business, the board received notice regarding the expiration of the sales tax which partially funds Parks & Rec.

Voters had approved the sales tax measure at a previous election and it is set to expire September 30, 2022. The tax funds Parks & Rec as well as the city stormwater project.

The board decided to spend time at the May meeting discussing the issue and formulating a plan to put the measure back on the ballot in November.

In a calendar schedule update, the board discussed upcoming events at the park, including the Art in the Park event, set for June 12.

Art in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Anstine reported they already have four vendors signed up.

It was decided a flyer will be posted on the Park Board’s Facebook page inviting participation. Member Katey Summer reported she is waiting to hear back from food vendors.

Park Board members were reminded they need to arrive by 9 a.m. on June 12 to assist with assigning booth spaces.

The board moved on to discuss other upcoming park events, including the July 4th Spark in the Park.

It was reported that DJ Kaden Thieman has been reserved for the evening at a cost of $100.

Summer reported she found a water sprinkler that would work well. It will be ordered. The board will also need to purchase a three-quarter-inch water hose. It was decided the group will pursue food purchases closer to the date of the event.

Moving on to August events, the annual Nerf War will be held August 21. The needed supplies are in storage at the home of Rodger McConville.

The group will need to purchase soft bullets and possibly additional Nerf guns. The possibility of selling popcorn and popsicles, as well as bottled water, was mentioned. A decision will be made closer to the event.

The Pumpkin in the Park event, set for October 30, from 6-8 p.m., was tabled.

November/December events include Christmas in the Park, with displays invited from November 20 through the Christmas season.

Activities and a kick-off including Santa Claus will be on December 11. Guy Barwick is to check with Ted Guinn to see if he is available to play Santa this year.

Rhonda Wakeman will work on recruiting businesses to support the displays. David Chastain is checking on carriage rides for the event.
In advertising news, a report was given to the group on banner prices. The Park Board received a quote from Terry Scott of $145 for a double vinyl/heavy duty 4’x8’ banner with grommets and rope.

Anstine moved to purchase Art in the Park and Spark in the Park banners for $145 each through Terry Scott. After a second, all voted in favor.

In new business, it was reported the Chamber rodeo will be held June 25-26.

In other business, Ray Briscoe presented a grant option available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for improvement of the walking trail. The grant would be used to widen and resurface the trail in the City Park.

The out-of-pocket costs would be for the base work on the trail. This grant won’t complete the walking trail, but it would give a good start. The board approved filling out the grant paperwork.

The April Park Board meeting adjourned and the group will reconvene in May.