Muncie parks department outlines repairs, restroom bids and lighting costs after storm damage

Muncie Parks and Recreation Superintendent Carl Millott told the board July 15 that crews have been working to clear fallen trees, catch up on delayed mowing and move several renovation projects forward after recent weather and staffing setbacks.

Millott said the department had “been busy clearing out all the parks that had all the fallen trees and branches,” and that crews are still finishing cleanup and weed control in several locations.

The projects the department discussed at the meeting included restroom renovations, splash-pad work and lighting repairs that affect play and safety across city parks. Millott said restroom renovation work at Thomas Park is underway; staff are moving electric service to keep the splash pad operable while restroom work continues. He said Riverview Park restroom renovation work had been put out for bid and that the city engineer estimated a two- to four-week period before the contractor mobilizes, but no firm start date was available.

Millott told the board the city received a quote of about $9,000 from Walker Electrics to repair or upgrade lights at Heekin Park’s basketball courts. He also said lighting at McCollum Park is in poor condition and needs replacement. The board discussed neighborhood requests and public-safety tradeoffs, with Millott noting that park hours are set to close at 11 p.m. and that keeping lights on late has previously led to unstructured gatherings and increased police calls.

The superintendent raised a short-term operational shortage of playground mulch and said the department is budgeting to bring mulch to multiple parks; he estimated mulch needs were “running around right around, 9,000, $10,000” (approximate). Millott also reported that a drinking-water unit for pets is installed at Emerson Doll Park and that a similar unit for Heekin Park has been ordered but not yet installed. He said the dog-park drinking unit still needs to be ordered.

Other site updates included: Halterman Park shelter rentals are up this year; Thomas Park splash pad is operating while restroom work proceeds; skate-park landscaping continues and will be turned over to parks staff when finish work is complete; and Riverview Park’s proximity to day-care centers made restroom availability a priority for staff and callers.

Board members asked for additional cost documentation and specific contractor names for pending work. Millott said he did not have the restroom contractor’s name at the meeting but would provide it to the board. He emphasized the department is prioritizing repairs so parks are safe and usable.

Fewer than three formal votes or motions were tied to capital projects during the meeting; the board discussed costs and timelines and asked staff to return with vendor names, firm schedules and cost details.