Burton Parks and Recreation finalizes Easter plans, discusses sidewalk design grant and 250th celebration run

The Burton Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee met March 19 and approved the January meeting minutes before moving into event and parks business. Committee members finalized timing and logistics for an April Easter egg hunt, discussed cleanup and repairs at Water Tower Park, reviewed a grant that committee members said would fund sidewalk design but not construction, and took an early look at a proposal to add a one‑time 5K as part of Burton’s July 2026 250th anniversary celebrations.

Committee staff member Amy said the egg hunt will be held in the council chambers area and outlined a staggered schedule by age group: the youngest groups will begin around 12:05 p.m., ages 4–6 at 12:30 p.m., ages 7–9 at 12:50 p.m. and ages 10–12 at 1:10 p.m. She asked volunteers to arrive by about 10–10:30 a.m. to decorate and prepare. Amy also said the event will include an Easter bunny setup for photos and that cookies, popcorn and eggs are already arranged; the committee discussed bringing bottled water and volunteers offered to donate and pick up supplies.

Committee members described a large water‑bottle order option for volunteers: one member noted packs of 80 bottles (and discussed buying multiple packs) and compared those to 40‑packs used in prior events. Volunteers also agreed to store donated bottles in cool locations until the event so they do not overheat.

On parks maintenance, members said Water Tower Park has areas of mud and remaining debris from a recent water main installation; members reported that sod and topsoil should settle as the ground dries but that sidewalks and tree lighting require attention. Amy told the committee that a grant the committee discussed will pay for sidewalk design work only and not for construction. The grant was described in the meeting as coming from the DNR and as covering “design” rather than cement or construction; committee members said the design work could support future construction grant applications.

Councilman Heffner has proposed a July 2026 city celebration tied to Burton’s 250th anniversary, and he asked whether Parks and Rec would consider organizing a 5K as part of the observance. Members said the Burton race series committee and local groups such as the Kiwanis have discussed a one‑time race and that logistics (police/road control, timing, sponsors and funding) would need further planning. One member estimated costs for a larger celebration and race (if held without outside sponsorships) could be substantial; members discussed seeking city council support or sponsors if the project moves forward.

Administrative items: the committee confirmed park reservations open for Memorial Day weekend and noted that Veterans Park is reservable; members discussed which parks have restrooms and which do not. The committee set a park cleanup for Water Tower Park (date discussed during the meeting) and scheduled its next meeting for April 9. The advisory committee made two formal meeting motions during the session: approval of the January minutes (moved by Kevin, seconded by Gary; carried) and a motion to adjourn (mover and seconder not specified in the record; carried).","sections":{"lede":"The Burton Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee met March 19 and approved the January meeting minutes before finalizing plans for an April Easter egg hunt, discussing a sidewalk design grant and taking early steps on a proposed July 2026 250th anniversary 5K.","nut_graf":"The committee’s actions and discussions center on near‑term public events, park maintenance needs at Water Tower Park, and planning work—design, not construction—supported by a grant the committee said comes from the DNR. Members emphasized volunteer staffing, supplies and the need for further council or sponsor support for larger events.","ending":"The committee scheduled a follow‑up meeting for April 9 and asked volunteers and staff to finalize logistics for the April egg hunt; any further commitments on the 250th celebration 5K would require detailed route, staffing and funding plans and possible council funding."},