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Cherry Valley delays naming decision for ball fields, approves concrete pads for bleachers
Summary
The council postponed a final decision on naming the new park/ball fields after community volunteers and approved $6,635 to install two concrete pads to support aluminum bleachers; council asked staff to solicit public input and research prior documentation about earlier naming claims.
The Cherry Valley City Council on a recent meeting delayed a formal decision to name the newly developed park and ball fields and approved the purchase of two concrete pads to anchor aluminum bleachers.
Resident Leona urged council members to honor longtime volunteer Larry Harris, describing his years of work clearing the old school property and preparing fields. "Larry would do anything for anybody in this room," she said, urging the council to consider a dedication. Senator Beth and other residents also recommended recognizing multiple contributors rather than naming the entire park after a single person.
Council members said they wanted more documentation before adopting a name. Staff said a newspaper article and a plaque may exist from a prior mayoral statement promising a dedication; the council asked staff to obtain any records and to post the options on the city’s public page for comment. The council tabled the naming decision until next month to give time to verify the earlier claim and gather public suggestions.
On park improvements, the council approved a staff recommendation to purchase two concrete pads (quoted at $6,635 total) sized to support the donated aluminum bleachers behind the dugouts. Council members discussed funding from the city park complex account: the clerk reported a balance of about $43,108 and receipts of $30,680 collected since January, of which staff said $15,000 is spoken for as the city portion of a 50/50 state grant application. Officials emphasized that some sales-tax proceeds were intended for broader park amenities (playground equipment, walking trails) rather than ball-field expansion.
The council also discussed short-term parking constraints after large turnouts at recent games and identified future needs including a concession stand, restrooms and planned parking north of Highway 42. Staff will return with firmer cost estimates and recommended permit/lease language for school and tournament use agreements.
The council left the naming question open and will revisit it after staff locates the referenced article and solicits public input; the concrete‑pad purchase was approved and will move forward.
