Taneytown outlines summer events, fountain repairs and park improvements

Taneytown Parks and Recreation told the advisory board on Wednesday that summer programming is underway and that maintenance work and equipment repairs are in progress across town parks.

Lorena reported that Yoga in the Park has begun and the next class is Monday the 16th; tennis clinics are open for registration; Movies in the Park will kick off with a showing of the live-action Cinderella on Saturday the 28th at Memorial Park; and a summer scavenger hunt will run June 20 through Aug. 31. The department also previewed the Independence Day celebration set for July 3 at 6 p.m., with fireworks scheduled around 9:30 p.m. and a rain date of July 5. Organizers said fireworks costs were about $6,500 on off-days; comparable displays on July 4 would be roughly $12,000.

On maintenance, staff reported work at Roberts Mill Park: a paved pathway from the pond trail to the dog park is being installed and the interior entrance corral paving is complete. Additional riprap work has been delayed by rain and contractor scheduling. Parks inspections at the end of May yielded a to‑do list that public works has mostly completed, staff said.

The commission also discussed a recurring mechanical issue with the pond fountain. Lorena said repeated motor burnouts have been expensive; staff will try new control-box settings, switch to a different service contractor to avoid repeated small repair bills, and plan to turn the fountain off at night to reduce debris intake. If those measures fail, staff will add a secondary protective cage around the fountain motor.

No formal actions were taken; staff will schedule repairs and continue event coordination with public-safety partners.

Ending: Staff asked the board to publicize event schedules and help recruit volunteers for large gatherings; the board was reminded the next major event is July 3 Independence celebration at Memorial Park.