Parks Fund report highlights $104,000 reserve and Custer Park growth

In the heart of Marietta's city hall, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as city officials gathered for a special called meeting on April 29, 2025. Among the key discussions was the Parks Fund report presented by Parks Director Rich Harris, who shared both progress and challenges facing the city's recreational facilities.

Harris reported a modest gain of nearly $1,000 in interest, bringing the unallocated balance of the Parks Fund to just over $104,000. However, he expressed frustration over delays in receiving updates about the restroom facilities at Wildwood Park, a project that has been pending for some time. Despite these setbacks, Harris announced that bid documents for construction plans are ready, with advertisements set to go out this Friday. He estimated that once the project begins, it would take approximately six months to complete, contingent on weather conditions.

The meeting also highlighted the performance of local recreational facilities, with Eric providing insights into the third-quarter report for Custer Park Sports and Fitness Center, Elizabeth Porter Park Sprayground, and Franklin Gateway Sports Complex. Custer Park saw a significant increase in attendance, with 4,444 visitors and gross revenue climbing to $178,771, compared to just over $108,000 during the same period last year.

The Elizabeth Porter Park Sprayground is set to reopen soon, generating excitement among residents. Meanwhile, Franklin Gateway Sports Complex reported over 47,000 participants, primarily driven by soccer rentals, which accounted for more than 42,000 of those visits.

Despite the positive attendance figures, Eric noted that total gross revenue for the fiscal year is down compared to last year, primarily due to a shift in payment models and the collection of overdue payments from previous years. He reassured the committee that current revenue levels are consistent with those of the two fiscal years prior, indicating a stable performance overall.

As the meeting wrapped up, the city officials reflected on the importance of these facilities in fostering community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles among residents. The discussions underscored Marietta's commitment to enhancing its parks and recreational offerings, even amidst challenges, ensuring that the community continues to thrive.