Marshall parks department remains busy through wet summer

Despite unusual weather and poor economic conditions, the Marshall Parks and Recreation Department has had a fairly good summer, park staff members said at the park board meeting Wednesday morning, Aug. 5.

"Things seem to be going pretty well," Director Jeff Stubblefield said. He added, "I'm pleased with where we're at, and the direction we're headed."

Dale McDaniel reported that the month of July was a good one for golf at the park. He mentioned several tournaments played, and said none had been rained out.

In August, McDaniel said, the park will host benefit tournaments for Relay for Life, the Center for Human Services and the Malta Bend FFA chapter.

In her report, Recreation Supervisor Lori Godsey told the board how the rainy summer has affected the park's swimming pool.

"It's been a very cold season this year," she said.

The Aquatic Center has been closed 15 1/2 days of its 100-day season because of the weather, she said. But, about 16,000 visitors have come to the pool this summer.

Godsey also mentioned the upcoming Day in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 12. This event will be held in conjunction with Santa Fe Trail Days, which are being held at the park because of construction work on the courthouse square.

"It'll be hopefully a very big day in the park for us," Godsey said.

Stubblefield is already looking ahead toward coming year. In his administrative report, he told the board he is working on the park's annual budget.

"It's always a challenge," he said. But, he added, "I don't think there's going to be any problems."

All board members were present at the meeting. Board member Jess Young recently resigned his position because "nine years was enough, he said," Stubblefield said.

Mayor Connie Latimer will appoint Young's replacement.

The board's next regularly scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 5 p.m. in the park administration office.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net