Resident urges council to fix Cass Park; council schedules joint meeting with Parks & Rec

Patty Herman, who identified herself as a longtime resident, told the City of Swisher council that Cass Park needs immediate maintenance, listing a rotting pavilion ceiling, an outfield fence gap that leaves a 4-inch gap at the bottom, nonworking scoreboard controls, broken lighting, parking concerns and other deferred repairs.

"My name is Patty Herman. I've lived here most of my life," she said, and pressed the council to clarify whether the park board or city staff is responsible for maintenance and how the park’s budget is being spent.

Councilors described the park board’s current budgetary lines — including $3,000 for operating supplies, $6,000 for ground maintenance and $11,000 for building repairs — and said those sums are insufficient for larger repairs such as regrading the infield or replacing pole-mounted lighting. Councilors and staff discussed several near-term steps: compiling a single, prioritized list of needed repairs, asking the park board to appear at a joint meeting, and directing staff to obtain quotes for specific fixes (for example, a fence replacement estimate).

Mayor and staff members said they expect the joint meeting to define who will perform ongoing maintenance tasks (city maintenance crew vs. volunteer groups) and to identify potential funding sources, including shifting budgeted capital funds or adding items to next year’s budget. Council asked that all council members email items to Shelly so the meeting packet can compile requested repairs and estimates.

Council also discussed safer short-term fixes to reduce liability (for example covering exposed tubing in the fence and posting signage) while the city and park board develop a longer-term maintenance plan.

The council set a joint meeting with the Park & Rec board and asked staff to return with cost estimates and a prioritized list of repairs at a future meeting.