Newaygo Recreation Authority approves routine finances, discusses court repairs and pavilion plans

The Newaygo Community Recreation Authority met May 8 at Newaygo City Hall and approved minutes and routine financial matters before discussing facilities and maintenance updates.

Chair Jennifer Badgero called the meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. and the board unanimously approved the March 13, 2025 minutes on a motion by Jon Schneider, seconded by Badgero. The board then approved the current-month financials and accounts payable on a motion by Badgero, seconded by Schneider; Schneider said the budget is “right where it should be for this time of year.”

On vendor payments, the board approved payment to Timberland Equipment for $1,710.65 to cover invoices for repairs and maintenance of lawnmowers used at the soccer, Centerline, Henning and Vets fields (motion by Badgero; second by Kim Goodin; approved AIF/MC). Duane duChemin told the board that Little League Baseball had obtained used mowers for Henning Park and the Vets field; the plan is to remove mower decks so those machines will be used only for dragging and maintaining baseball fields, not mowing, after an inspection. DuChemin said that arrangement is intended to extend the lifespan of NCRA-owned mowers at Centerline fields.

Under board business, Secretary Kim Goodin said Racquet Sports had repaired cracks at the Pickleball Courts but that a representative of the Pickleball Group was concerned expansion joints cut during installation (costing about $920) had been filled during repairs. Goodin said Racquet Sports explained they fill joints and that they can break and expand over time. Schneider noted the original repair quote from Racquet Sports was $3,150 (signed in March) and the board agreed by consensus to approve payment if the total invoice does not exceed $3,500.

Schneider also updated the board on recreation projects: the county has bid tee pads for the disc golf course and the plan calls for graphics at each hole, a Shaw Park sign and possibly a kiosk at the first hole. He said Double L Irrigation will perform irrigation start-up at the soccer and baseball fields the week of May 12. DuChemin reported the dugouts on the north Centerline fields are expected to be completed within a couple of weeks, with an invoice to follow, and flagged a retaining wall at Centerline fields that will need attention; he said he will contact a nearby landowner about the possibility of purchasing land for an additional baseball field.

Schneider displayed photos of completed structural repairs and an overlook deck at the Powerhouse building and described architects’ conceptual designs for a potential open-air pavilion, saying the project would depend on costs and funding and would likely proceed over multiple years. He also showed proposed Pocket Park images and said the city is awaiting a grant decision that could help fund the park. Finally, Schneider said a developer hopes to break ground this year on the first phase of apartments behind Leppinks, with about 50 units planned.

The meeting concluded with a motion by Badgero, seconded by Schneider, to adjourn at 9:06 a.m.; the motion carried.