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Parks and Recreation details summer programs, Wharton Park improvements and new dog‑park funding
Summary
Parks and Recreation Director Jill Coleman updated commissioners on spring projects and summer programming, announced a new communication board and playground at Eadsville Park, Wharton Park field improvements, a proposed dog park funded by POS money, and staffing plans for lifeguards and pools.
Jill Coleman, director of Kent County Parks and Recreation, presented departmental highlights for February through April and outlined summer programming and facilities work.
Coleman said the department will install a communication board at Eadsville Park to assist playground users with nonverbal cues and will install a new playground starting July 1. The department also installed a Wall of Fame at the community center and placed a memorial bench in honor of Vanessa Maddox.
Coleman listed summer programs: swim lessons (including adult lessons), family night swim, movie night, youth camps, Brazilian soccer camp, sand volleyball, pickleball and platform tennis, and a youth fish derby. She reported recent activity figures: 45 new facility access members, 55 renewals, 288 attendees at Springfest and more than 100 youth participating in combined clinics with Washington College.
On facilities, Coleman said public‑works crews replaced backstops and fencing at Wharton Park and work on a new basketball court is near completion. At a Parks, Recreation and Parks (PRAP) meeting the prior evening, the PRAP board voted to allocate part of roughly $87,000 in POS funds to build a dog park at Wharton Park; PRAP also approved funds for an additional dugout at Commissioners Field if budget permits.
Coleman said staffing for lifeguards is close to last year’s levels: 21 lifeguards this year compared with 22 in 2024. Pools will operate cashless this year; opening day for pools and the beach was announced for the coming Saturday with hours 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Coleman said the department will attempt to keep pools open as staffing allows and will prioritize pool coverage over beach lifeguarding if guards are limited.
Commissioners thanked the department for field maintenance and noted increased facility use for tournaments, including a multi‑field baseball event that drew many visitors. Coleman said staff will publish details about the dog park project, dugout replacements and pool operations.
