Parks superintendent reports winterization, restroom renovations and several park repairs; Hicken court and Riverview items planned
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Summary
Parks Superintendent Carl Malone told the board Oct. 21 that crews have nearly finished winterization and are focusing on restroom plumbing at Riverview, playground inspections, mulch replenishment and a slate of repairs and renovations including Hicken Tennis Court and Thomas Park restrooms.
Parks Superintendent Carl Malone updated the Muncie Parks and Recreation Board on Oct. 21 about fall and winter maintenance, upcoming renovations and capital projects across the park system.
Winterization and restrooms Malone said crews have completed most winterization tasks citywide but are delaying full line blow‑outs at Riverview while new restroom plumbing is installed. He told the board the restroom placement at Riverview prompted questions from nearby residents and that staff had met with the White Neighborhood Association to discuss concerns.
Seasonal transitions and inspections Crews are shifting from mowing to trimming, mulching and pruning; Malone said staff were scheduling playground equipment inspections and prioritizing small repairs to be completed this fall and winter. Pickleball nets at Riverview will be removed for the season; staff plan to relocate nets to other sites as needed.
Capital and repair projects - Shade structures: staff are reviewing replacement pricing for shade sails that are frayed and may be replaced before next season. - Hicken Tennis Court: Malone said engineers propose paving over the existing surface in spring, adding lights and producing space for one tennis court and one pickleball court; work is intended to start early next year. - Dog park: lines are installed and staff are seeking comparable quotes; one high quote at about $5,000 and another near $3,000 are under review. - Signs: a new sign structure at Hackley and Ninth is planned for early next year at an estimated $5,000–$6,000, and new park signs will be installed as they arrive. - Thomas Park restrooms: renovations at Riverview and Thomas Park restrooms are underway with a target completion date in November, Malone said. - Playground mulch: Malone cited a quote near $12,014 for mulch at Thomas Park; staff will schedule mulch replenishment in multiple parks. - Basketball courts: Thomas Park and West Side courts need resurfacing or repaving; Malone said permitting and coordination are in progress and that city leadership has expressed interest in improving courts.
Skatepark and youth programming Malone said staff are discussing skatepark futures with community members and with Ball State volunteers; the parks department and community groups have offered programming and lessons at the skatepark.
Ending: Malone closed by asking whether board members had questions and by saying staff will continue work on inspections, restroom renovations and project bid comparisons this fall and winter.