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Lancaster Parks report spring maintenance, programs and events; pools and summer registration opening
Summary
Parks staff reported completed drainage work at Rising Park, finishing the Hunter building, AED placements in ballparks, field preparations for spring sports, and a schedule of upcoming community events and youth programs; staff were directed to add Miller Park financing to May’s agenda.
Lancaster Parks staff used the April 2 Board of Park Commissioners meeting to outline spring maintenance work, program schedules and community events as the department prepares for the busy season.
Superintendent Steve Gayfield reported crews finished painting and are completing the kitchen floor at the Hunter building. Drainage work at Rising Park is complete — staff drained the Rock River pond 18 inches and installed new catch basins — and crews continue routine field and diamond work: soccer nets have been installed, fields painted, and baseball/softball diamonds are being prepared daily. Staff confirmed that fire extinguishers were inspected in all park buildings and vehicles and that AED pads and units have been placed at ballparks.
Operational preparations include opening restrooms at Rising and Hunter parks, turning water on at Rising and Martens parks, and installing a new drinking fountain at Martens Park. Staff also reported replacing damaged bollards on the bike path and increasing trash collection to twice weekly.
On programming, staff finalized schedules for soccer and flag football, held referee meetings, and are continuing interviews and paperwork (including drug screening) for summer hires. Registration for kickball closes April 24; registration is open for summer camps and swim lessons. Parks staff are negotiating pickleball league agreements and are hosting adult volleyball in the Community Building gymnasium.
Community programming highlights included the Maple Tapping Festival in March (442 paid breakfasts; auction proceeds of $445), the Mount Pleasant Photo Club show, and multiple upcoming events such as a CarFit event April 29 and a Seeds of Change event at Rising Park on April 26. Staff also noted partnerships with Fairfield County Park District for monthly 55+ hikes and that expired AED pads were replaced using a Fairfield County Emergency Management grant.
Chair Charles Elsea asked Superintendent Gayfield to add financing for Miller Park to the May agenda for further discussion.
