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Yukon parks staff report pool and park upgrades, summer program growth and staffing change
Summary
Parks staff updated the Yukon Parks and Recreation Board on Kimball Bay pool repairs and shade installations, City Park fencing, permits for Sunrise Softball, summer program participation and the recent death of a parks employee; a previously filled kitchen position is now open.
Yukon Parks and Recreation staff provided an update on ongoing pool and park repairs, summer programs and preparations for FreedomFest, and announced the death of parks employee Don Shane.
Ryan, a Parks and Recreation staff member, told the Parks and Recreation Board that work at Kimball Bay is nearing completion, with the pool building repainted, fencing about 95% finished and a large cantilever shade structure — roughly 50 feet wide and about 22 feet high, he said — scheduled for installation soon. Ryan said six of seven pool lights are functioning and that pool steps expected to arrive in mid‑July will improve accessibility.
The report also covered other capital projects: permits for concrete pads and fencing at Sunrise Softball Fields are in final paperwork stages ahead of new bleacher installation; City Park is undergoing a full chain‑link fencing replacement expected to be done before July 4; a Chisholm Trail irrigation project was scheduled to begin as weather allows and to be completed by July 4; and Ranchwood’s bridge across a drainage ditch was repaired in‑house by parks staff to improve safety and accessibility.
Ryan said exterior stucco repairs and painting are planned at the YCC and that several shade structure installations across parks have been delayed because heavy rain has prevented concrete work: "We're playing the waiting game right now until the weather cooperates and they can catch up on their projects," he said.
On programming, Ryan reported strong summer participation: June swim lessons were nearly full, the swim team had 52 participants, water fitness classes had 58 participants in June, and an introductory tennis camp drew 23. Summer kids camp drew more than 50 campers in each of its first two weeks; STEM classes at Jackie Cooper Gym were capped at 30 and required an additional section for the full eight‑week session; and culinary camps have an 11‑person waiting list. Ryan also noted a wheelchair softball clinic scheduled for the coming Saturday and that youth flag football signups are under way for an August season.
Special events planning was also described: City Splash will be open for a free swim from noon to 4 p.m. on July 4 while Kimball will be closed that day; both pools will be closed July 3 so staff can work FreedomFest. FreedomFest activities listed for the July 4 program include live music, food trucks, a children’s parade, a car show, a triathlon and fireworks. Ryan reminded residents that the Freedom Trail Splash Pad and playground will close at 5 p.m. on July 3 and 4 because those areas are within the fireworks blast zone.
Ryan told the board that the city council approved the Parks and Recreation budget on June 3 and that the new fiscal year begins July 1; he said more details on next year’s projects will be shared at a future meeting.
Ryan also announced the death of parks employee Don Shane, who had worked with the department for three years and was described by Ryan as a Navy veteran who had been diagnosed with cancer several months earlier. "He handled his illness so well," Ryan said, offering condolences to Shane’s wife, Peggy, and the family.
At the start of the meeting the board approved the minutes from May 21 with a voice vote. In new business, a board member asked about a previously filled position at the DRC kitchen; Ryan said the position was filled but that the employee is no longer with the city and the opening has been reposted.
