Park playground nearing completion (UPDATE 9:26 a.m. Friday: Playground open)

Friday, July 3, 2009
By SYDNEY STONNER/Staff writer

Update: The new playground equipment at Guthrey Play Area is open for use as of 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, according to park department official Lori Godsey.

The final touches are being added to the new playground at Travis Guthrey Play Area, Parks Director Jeff Stubblefield said at the park board meeting Wednesday morning, July 1.

"Hopefully we'll have it done here in the next couple of days," he said.

The final coat of the playground base should be finished Wednesday, and next week a new fence will be put around the play area, Stubblefield said.

Stubblefield is also ordering plaques to commemorate the new playgrounds at Peyton and Guthrey, he said.

Continuing with the park development, Stubblefield said he is meeting with an architect to discuss plans for walking trails at the park.

"I'm pretty excited about that," he said.

Construction of the trails could possibly be funded by grants, Stubblefield added.

Stubblefield also reported that city street crews will resurface three areas at the park: the parking lot at the Optimist Shelter and areas near field three and the park office.

In her report, Recreation Supervisor Lori Godsey discussed many of the park's summer activities.

The park's first movie night, held June 19, was a success, with 55 people in attendance, Godsey said. There will be another movie night Saturday, July 11, at the Aquatic Center. The cost to attend is $1.

In general, the pool is staying busy if the weather cooperates, Godsey said. An average of 350 people come on a nice day. On July 4, the pool will be open from 1 to 9 p.m., though the seating area will remain open during the fireworks.

George McComas, golf course superintendent, said he is "watering like crazy" because of the recent extreme heat.

Manager of Golf Operations Dale McDaniel reported on many recent and upcoming tournaments at Indian Foothills Golf Course.

"We had a typical June, which means rain one day and heat the next," he said.

The board adjourned into executive session and all members were present. The board is scheduled to meet again Wednesday morning, Aug. 5, at 7 a.m.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

Comments

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Jeff--you and your employees are doing a wonderful job at the park--keep it up and many thanks!!

-- Posted by farmerwife on Mon, Jul 6, 2009, at 1:23 PM

Great job everyone it looks great and the kids love it!!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by Gal66 on Mon, Jul 6, 2009, at 6:03 AM

Good Job Jeff, lookin' great!

-- Posted by sgates79 on Wed, Jul 1, 2009, at 4:54 PM