Lawrence Parks Board elects officers, accepts minutes and clears advertising for spring programs

The City of Lawrence Board of Parks and Recreation elected Jeff Best president and Tom Burns vice president at its January meeting, accepted the Dec. 11 meeting minutes and directed staff to allow a vendor to begin advertising spring pickleball and softball schedules.

The votes and direction came amid staff reports about upcoming winter markets, a Sprouts market, a Black History Month celebration, partnerships with Helping Hands and CenterWell for senior activities, ongoing park bench replacements and repairs at the community activity center.

Board members opened the meeting to officer nominations after noting one member was absent. Jeff Best was nominated and seconded for president and the board recorded a verbal “aye” to approve the nomination. Tom Burns was nominated and seconded for vice president and the board again recorded a verbal “aye.” The chair said she would name Crystal Puckett secretary by proclamation. The board then moved, seconded and approved acceptance of the Dec. 11 minutes.

Staff and board members…