The Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety on June 18 approved multiple contracts to complete a splash pad and related work at Iron Horse Park and received the parks department’s monthly report, which included a proposed ordinance to ban fireworks in parks during the July 4 celebration.

Parks and contracts: The board voted to approve a contract for concrete work around the splash pad, a contract with Vortex Aquatic Structures to install the splash pad equipment, and a Burns Construction contract to replace siding, trim and roofing on aging cart barns so they match the new clubhouse. Aaron (staff) told the board the concrete work covers areas the equipment contractor does not, and Jan (parks staff) said the city has already paid for the splash-pad equipment and the installation contract is to pay the installer.

Why it matters: The splash pad and clubhouse-related work are part of ongoing park improvements that the city said are funded in part through redevelopment commission funds and are connected to other park upgrades, including a new simulator room, paving of cart paths and additional building work.

Details and next steps: Jan said the parks clubhouse is open, cameras are being installed, and the parks department has received a design release from the state for an additional pole-barn-style building. Jan told the board the city expects the driving-range paths to be paved before a planned fall grand opening for parts of the facility.

Fireworks proposal: Jan said parks staff will propose an ordinance to prohibit fireworks in parks and within 500 feet of park property during the July 4 celebration. Jan described the proposal as: “no no fireworks will be allowed permitted. They're all prohibited in the park and 500 feet away from the park during the celebration.” The board did not adopt an ordinance at the June 18 meeting; Jan presented it as an upcoming proposal for the holiday.

Financial/funding note: Aaron told the board the concrete work for the splash pad was allocated through redevelopment commission funds; Jan said the city has already paid for the splash-pad equipment and is contracting to pay for installation.

Board action: Motions to approve the concrete contract, the Vortex Aquatic Structures installation contract, and the Burns Construction siding and roofing agreement were made and approved by the two members present (Chris Martin and Levi Jones). The parks department monthly report was also approved.

What to watch: Staff said plans for a summer push on public-safety messaging around fireworks and pets will precede the holiday. The proposed fireworks ordinance will return to the board for formal consideration if staff forwards a draft.