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Lancaster parks board hears capital project updates, staff promotion and Bowers Park cost estimates
Summary
At its Aug. 6 meeting the Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners received department updates including the promotion of Jen Shamblin to Assistant Parks Superintendent, selection of an Elmwood playground design supported by a state grant, Bowers Park cost and timeline estimates, and a forthcoming pool assessment; the board approved July minutes and payment of expenses.
The Lancaster Board of Park Commissioners on Aug. 6 received staff briefings on personnel, ongoing capital projects and budget matters and approved routine financial items.
Parks staff announced that Jennifer “Jen” Shamblin was promoted to Assistant Parks Superintendent and will continue to oversee recreation, a change Mr. Gayfield publicly acknowledged. Staff also said interviews are in progress for a Facilities Supervisor and that Mr. Gayfield will attend the National Parks & Recreation Conference in September; he also reported an invitation to sit on a National Certification Board pending confirmation of the time commitment.
On capital projects, staff reported completion or progress on several items including Olivedale pool heater repairs, Tiki slide repairs and Rising Park stormwater drainage work. Elmwood Park was presented with three playground design options; staff said one design received broad support and that the project has secured a one-time state grant. The Board asked staff to notify members when a public meeting about Elmwood will be scheduled.
Bowers Park remains a multiyear effort: staff said they have contacted architect 2LMN for a proposal and reiterated that adding ballfields is an objective. Exhibit C supplied line-item estimates and a multi-year timeline through 2027–2028; staff characterized the figures as estimates and said they will discuss pay ordinances and financing with the Auditor’s office before the Aug. 31 budget deadline. Exhibit C lists an estimated total contract figure and multiple planning and construction line items (Exhibit C, as distributed to the Board).
Mr. Gayfield also reported that Councilman Huntsaker toured Miller and Tiki pools with Parks staff and Mr. Lovell; Huntsaker will compile a pool assessment and move it forward to public input and survey, staff said.
On routine governance items, Bob Lovell moved and Kari James seconded a motion to approve the July meeting minutes; the motion passed unanimously. Lovell again moved, and James seconded, a motion to approve and ratify payment of Parks Department expenses after Mr. Gayfield’s presentation; that motion also passed unanimously.
The Board set its next meeting for Sept. 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall.
