Parks director reports strong Fourth of July turnout, pickleball demand and upcoming demolition at Electrochem site

Parks Director John Messenger reported to the Lebanon Board of Public Works and Safety on July 14 that Fourth of July events, the Yousman Carnival and volunteer-led festivities were well attended and that Memorial Park will host a statewide high-school baseball tournament that begins Thursday and runs through the weekend. Messenger thanked city staff, volunteer committees and public safety personnel for supporting the holiday activities and said parks employees worked in extreme heat and did an outstanding job preparing grounds and flower beds. Pickleball and programming: Messenger said the pickleball courts in Memorial Park are heavily used and that a tournament scheduled for July 19 nearly filled; he said courts are “packed all the time.” He reported swim lessons and other recreation programs are underway; Lisonbee soccer camp began and had about 185 participants at last check. Thompson Street demolition: Messenger told the board the demolition of the old Electrochem building on Thompson Street (near Abner Longley) will begin the next day; he credited multiple administrations, council staff and Derek Warren for progressing the project and said the removal will improve neighborhood appearance. Ending: Messenger encouraged residents to attend park events and thanked volunteers; the transcript records event dates and participation numbers but does not include contract or financial details for the demolition beyond staff coordination and permitting comments.