MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie Parks and Recreation staff reported on June 17 that crews have largely caught up after equipment delays, completed major sewer repairs and reopened restrooms at Westside Park, and are coordinating repairs and new, more‑secure restroom units at several neighborhood parks.

Board members heard that the department experienced delays after mower failures and heavy rain but has a four‑person weed‑eating team and restored mowing capacity. “From time to time, we might get a call about a particular park, but we're normally able to get to that park by the end of the day,” the superintendent said during the superintendent report.

The superintendent told the board that Westside Park hosted a ribbon‑cutting and large turnout for the newly opened skate park and that city officials, including the mayor and several city council members, attended. Signage for the skate park had been requested but had not yet been posted; staff said paperwork for signage was submitted and they would check on status.

Staff said a major sewer line repair at Westside Park had been completed and that restrooms there are open. The department is also preparing to renovate the Westside baseball diamond, including installing an electrical main box for a scoreboard and restoring the field surface before adding lights.

At Riverview Park and Thomas Park, staff said sewer and water‑line work has been bidded and scheduled; the city engineer has told parks staff that water connections will be handled by the contractor performing the restroom work. Staff did not provide a firm timeline for when those restrooms will be installed.

Cooley Park has had lighting timers reset and swing‑set repairs; staff said they are awaiting parts from the manufacturer to complete some swing repairs. The department repainted a vandalized building at Cooley and reported the splash pad there is operating after parts finally arrived.

Staff described a parts mismatch for multiple splash pads: the department initially ordered a five‑prong push‑button for splash‑pad activation but learned vendors are shipping a six‑prong configuration. Parks staff said they will order the new six‑prong buttons to have replacements on hand and are coordinating with the vendor Vortex for on‑site replacement.

The superintendent emphasized safety as the guiding principle for repairs and closures. “The main thing is that we got something out there that's unsafe, and we get a kid on it, and someone get hurt, and we don't have — we didn't take any action,” he said, describing the department's practice of visually inspecting equipment, photographing damage and restricting access with caution tape or fencing until repairs can be made.

Staff also reported routine field lining and basic diamond upkeep to support youth and community use. The Parks Department said it is checking with the city engineer and sanitation staff on drainage options for a basketball court that holds water after rain, and will pursue resurfacing or drainage changes as recommended.

What happens next: staff will follow up on pending signage for the skate park, order six‑prong splash‑pad buttons for replacement, continue coordination with the city engineer on Riverview and Thomas restroom installations, and proceed with Westside diamond renovations as funding and contractors are available.

The board did not take a formal vote tied to these facility updates during the report; items described were presented for information and operational direction to staff.