Olathe council appoints three to parks leadership board as parks projects continue

The Olathe City Council on April 15 approved a resolution appointing three members to the Parks and Recreation Leadership Board and the Board of Trustees of the Olathe Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Greg Foss, chair of the Parks and Recreation Board, introduced the new appointees and reviewed ongoing and upcoming projects in the parks system, including a new playground at Blackbaud Park, ongoing renovations at the Olathe Community Center and work on a RecPlex feasibility study.

The appointments were approved by voice roll call. Foss said the new Blackbaud Park playground "is being installed right now" and that a dedication is being planned for May. He described the RecPlex item as "in the study phase right now," a potential indoor facility for basketball, volleyball and soccer. He also said community center renovations will continue through a period he identified as April 14 through Aug. 25 and noted recent improvements at the Prairie Center ball fields.

The council approved the resolution appointing Sharpe Marshall, Jesse Gillum and Merlin James to vacancies. Sharpe Marshall said, "I am Sharpe Marshall... thanks to Mayor Bacon and Council for this appointment, and I'm excited for this opportunity in order to enhance the quality of life for residents and families across Olathe." Jesse Gillum thanked the council and said he looks forward to serving his longtime community. Merlin James, introduced as a senior engineer with Garmin International, said he volunteered after graduating from Olathe Pacific Academy and "caught the bug to volunteer."

Foss also told the council the parks foundation increased scholarship support: last year the foundation awarded one $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior; this year the foundation has $2,000 available and expects to award two $1,000 scholarships.

The appointments were taken as part of the meeting's special business and passed on the council's roll call.