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Park board approves BBBA batting-cage expansion, keeps ARPA payment and accepts donated Lumb Park roof
Summary
The Brainerd Park Board approved BBBA’s plan to add batting tunnels at Bain and JC’s parks, authorized staff work with the group, approved a final ARPA payment of $30,540.43 for recent park projects, and accepted a donated roof replacement for the Lumb Park Arch while reserving $6,000 for remaining repairs.
The Brainerd Park Board on Aug. 26 approved a set of park-improvement items that board members and staff said will support youth tournaments and preserve historic park features.
BBBA representative Trent Grams told the board the baseball group wants to double the number of batting tunnels at Bain and JC’s parks and install concrete slabs with turf to extend longevity. "We’re hosting four to five tournaments annually with over 100 teams coming into the community," Grams said, arguing that two side‑by‑side 70‑foot tunnels allow more teams to warm up at once and improve tournament flow. The board directed staff to coordinate site preparation and reassembly of existing equipment while BBBA will fund construction, nets and turf.
Board members also approved a $30,540.43 final payment for ARPA-funded work at JC Park, Lumb Park, the campground and the Lumb Park beach. A committee member moved the payment and the board approved it by voice vote.
Separately, a local contractor offered to replace the Lumb Park Arch roof with composite shakes at no cost to the city. A board member described the offer and asked that the board keep the $6,000 line item in the arch budget for tuckpointing and other masonry or trim work. The board accepted the donation and directed staff to reserve the budgeted funds for remaining repairs.
The board also approved a staff recommendation to relocate three recently planted trees at JC’s Park to alternate positions shown on the staff map so the site can accommodate a future walkway and overflow parking or small fields. Members emphasized moving the saplings while they are still in burlap to maximize survival.
What’s next: Staff will work with BBBA on scheduling construction, provide a plan for reusing existing standards, and confirm the timeline and budget status for remaining arch repairs and the tree relocations.
