Parks chair reports donations and pickleball progress as recreation use increases

Annetta Macedonia, chair of the Buckeye Lake Parks & Recreation Commission, told the council on Oct. 13 that private donations and volunteer work have accelerated park improvements and helped reduce capital costs.

"Received a close to $9,500 donation this past Friday," Macedonia said, noting that community fundraising has substantially lowered the cost compared with a full new court replacement that could have approached $200,000. She said current work includes installing posts for permanent pickleball nets and adding horizontal posts east–west; the contractor warned that striping and final surface coating may need to wait for warmer spring nights because of rust and pavement conditions.

Macedonia said the Recreation Center’s activity is growing, with more groups using the space weekly and monthly, and praised volunteers including the Cranberry Bay group that helps at events. She also noted the Lakewood Youth Girls softball team has invested nearly $3,000 to upgrade the ball field and committed to maintaining it annually.

Councilors acknowledged the improvements: Councilor Wolfe praised new playground equipment and cleanliness; Councilor Green called the Recreation Center an affordable venue for community events; Councilor Julian thanked volunteers and donors and singled out Doug Sanderson for his generous support to be appropriated in an ordinance adopted this evening.

The council will continue budget review in Finance Committee as it prepares the 2026 budget and will discuss park-related line items in upcoming meetings. The Parks Commission hopes that increased use and fundraising will sustain maintenance and program growth.