Additional insurance bought for Marshall Aquatic Center

The Marshall Parks and Recreation board heard only one bit of bad news among glowing status reports from staff: Additional insurance had to be purchased for the aquatic center.

"The insurance budget is now basically blown out," said Director Jeff Stubblefield.

He explained that most of the aquatic center assets, including the bathhouse and the slides had been insured, but the company handling the parks and recreation bond recently discovered that the pool itself was not covered as required.

"It's one of those things that just fell through the cracks," he said.

The additional insurance, which includes protection against the costs of earthquake damage, will cost about $8,000 per year, according to Stubblefield.

"We're going to have to adjust our budget," to account for the additional expense, Stubblefield said. "But we won't cut any programs."

Other than the insurance problem, Stubblefield said the Parks and Recreation Department budget was on track.

Staff reports indicated that park programs and facilities are in good shape.

Dale McDaniel reported that the golf course had been busy and players from out of town recently had given the course good marks. He said 5,600 rounds were played this year through May, which is not as many as were played in 2002 but is more than in any year since then.

Board member Wayne Crawford complimented McDaniel and the rest of the golf course staff.

"What I think is amazing is how good the course looks and with few staff members compared to other courses," he said.

Lori Godsey reported that the aquatic center has been much busier than it was last year. The high attendance day this year has already exceeded the high attendance day of last season, she said.

Following the meeting, the board went on its annual golf cart tour of Indian Foothills Park.

Stubblefield said the annual tour serves two purposes, giving board members a chance to see all areas of the park during a busy time of day. Board members are familiar with the park, he said, but they don't always have a chance to see everything and get a clear overview.

The tour is also a chance to make board members more visible to patrons, he said, letting people know their park board is paying attention. active and available.

Parks and Recreation Board President Mike Lamberson said the annual tour is a welcome opportunity.

"It's nice for us to get out and see everything," he said. "We get to see how it's being utilized."

Contact Eric Crump at

marshallfaith@socket.net