Henry County Memorial Park Board reviews staffing, lift-station repairs and daily pumping needs

The Henry County Memorial Park Board heard updates on staffing and a mechanical problem that has required near-daily pumping of the park's lift station.

Park staff reported that grounds crew member Cade has started and that Kenny Ford was hired as a full-time employee and began work the Monday following the meeting. Park staff also said they are in the process of hiring Richard Sidwell as a ranger, with a start date the coming weekend. Park staff said these additions were intended to increase the crew's capacity for maintenance work across the park.

Board members and staff discussed ongoing problems with the lift station. Park staff said both main pumps are currently out for repair and the crew has been pumping the station nearly every day on weekends; during slower weekdays pumping may not be required. A board member gave a preliminary low-end estimate of about $15,000 for repair, and said total costs could be roughly double if pumps must be replaced and multiple pump-outs are required. Park staff said they would call for formal pricing and report back to the board when they have a clearer quote and timetable.

Park staff also summarized recent maintenance work on the large shelter house, including staining of the stairways, ramps and top railing using remaining funds from the prior year, and noted other routine maintenance items scheduled for staff to complete.

The board accepted the minutes of the previous meeting by motion (see “Votes at a glance”), and members asked staff to return with concrete repair and cost estimates for any pump replacement work.

Ending: Park staff said they will provide formal cost estimates for pump repair or replacement and will update the board at a future meeting. The board is continuing to prioritize maintenance work while onboarding new staff and addressing mechanical problems that affect park operations.