Parks director reports softball leadership change, sewer project progress and delayed dock bids

Parks and Recreation Director Ginger Soul told the New London Park and Recreation Committee on Tuesday that a change in leadership at the youth softball association prompted the organization to withdraw its items from the agenda so new leaders could “take a step back” and reconcile finances.

Soul said the softball leadership change is not stopping progress on related infrastructure: the sewer project needed for a new bathroom at Memorial Park is moving forward and staff are preparing the bid packet. Bids for a courtesy dock and a parking‑lot project were rescheduled and are due this Thursday, Soul said.

In routine updates, Soul reported that city planters were being planted and that parking‑lot lighting ordered through Utilities has a 10‑ to 12‑week lead time, so installations are likely in the fall. She also noted a staffing shortage in maintenance, saying the parks division “only have 1 mower on staff,” which has hampered mowing and prompted resident complaints about long grass.

Soul announced an internal personnel milestone: a staff member, Jacob Rasch, completed DOT CDL training and came off probation, which she said will help with equipment operation and the upcoming tree survey. She also reported that higher river water had delayed placement of some docks, that the city installed an art piece at the Vietnam Rock pools, and that maintenance crews are handling multiple projects with limited hours.

Regarding a planned bridge contract, Soul said the contractor scheduled to appear at the meeting had not responded and that the committee may need to reconsider contracting steps; she added that the county also has funds invested in the work. The committee reviewed its next meeting date, setting the next Park and Recreation Committee meeting for Tuesday, July 1.

These items were reported as operational updates; committee members did not take formal policy actions on these reports during the meeting.