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Muncie parks superintendent outlines shelter replacements, court renovations and programming uncertainty
Summary
Parks Superintendent Carl Malone reported removal of three unsafe wooden shelters and plans for metal replacements, upcoming court and field renovations, Riverview play zone completion, and uncertainty about summer programming funding pending Ball Brothers Foundation review.
During the Feb. 17 meeting, Carl Malone, superintendent of Muncie City Parks, gave a comprehensive operations update covering shelter replacements, court and field renovations, restroom security, signage and programming.
Malone said crews removed three old wooden shelters at Alt Shire, McCollum and Ball Ballpark and plan to replace them with metal shelters. "Our staff got it down themselves, used our equipment," Malone said, describing the removal as in-house work that also served as training. He reported Riverview Park’s play zone and restrooms are complete and that the Whiteley Neighborhood Association is planning a grand opening when weather allows, though mulch costs remain a concern.
On facilities, Malone said the basketball court near the skate park "is holding water" and needs renovation; Hicken Park is seeing more practices and games, and staff are pursuing door and framework repairs for restroom security. He said Flatland’s work has DNR approval and that some projects depend on funding and coordination with state and local partners.
Programming: Malone said he and other staff met with the Ball Brothers Foundation about possible summer-program funding; the foundation will review paperwork and respond (possibly in May), and the parks department may need to cancel or alter programs if requested funds do not materialize. Malone said about 50 teen internship spots are available this year, down from roughly 110 last year.
Nut graf: The update mixed immediate maintenance work (shelters, court and restroom repairs) with near-term program uncertainty, underscoring both operational needs and financial constraints for the coming season.
What’s next: Malone said staff will proceed with quoted projects as weather allows and will coordinate with neighborhood groups; he asked board members to route trash and tote complaints to the sanitation department, which now handles pickup at parks.
