Parks staff report progress on clubhouse, Spencer Park upgrades, cameras and holiday event finances

Parks staff gave updates on capital projects, maintenance work and program planning during the Logansport Parks and Recreation Board meeting.

Jan (Parks and Recreation Administrator) said the new clubhouse construction is progressing and that contractors intend to deliver the facility in May, in time for summer events. Staff described a regular construction meeting cadence and said interior fit-out and equipment selection are underway.

Updates on Spencer Park included replacement of lead water lines from the boulevard through the park, installation of pits at junctions to allow future expansion, new lighting and plans for new playground equipment and safety surfacing. Jan said the department is working with a contractor to demolish an old storage garage and build a larger pole barn (30 by 72 feet) to house seasonal displays and equipment.

Maintenance staff reported work on Fairview restroom renovations. "We put a new roof on it, and then we purchased all of our materials last year under that budget," a parks staff speaker said; the meeting packet listed a $50,000 budget for that restroom work. The record shows crews stripping out the restroom building to install new fixtures and finishes.

Kevin (parks staff) discussed a planned camera installation. The department has a signed contract with a systems integrator and is acquiring cameras from Verkada; Mission MSP is the installer. Kevin said logistical work remains to determine power locations for cameras in the back area of Houston Park and that staff have discussed a phased five-year plan that could spread costs at approximately $30,000 per year to provide broader park coverage.

Staff reported Christmas in the Park final finances in the board packet. The packet numbers read "Total expenses were $49,007.66 19" and "Total income was $50,008.00 $9.90," and staff said the event had roughly $2,700 remaining in the event account. Jan told the board organizers plan to expand displays, add a train display and explore additional arches and nativity elements in future years.

On the municipal golf and driving-range projects, staff said they have removed an old garage, cleared fence rows and plan range improvements but cautioned that the new practice range is unlikely to be open this summer; staff said an official opening for the training range is planned for 2026 unless site conditions and grass establishment allow earlier use.

Central Paving was named as the contractor expected to mill and pave roads at Spencer Park after utilities work. The board also discussed purchasing vehicles and equipment, and staff said ongoing maintenance and equipment acquisition continue as part of the department's annual work plan.

No formal votes were taken on these project updates; board members asked questions and directed staff to continue permitting and contractor coordination. Several items discussed will return to the board or the parks committee when bids or final contracts are ready for approval.