Newaygo recreation board approves minutes and financials, seeks donations to improve Centerline fields

The Newaygo Community Recreation Authority on Sept. 11 approved its July meeting minutes and the current month's financials and accounts payable, and discussed repairs and maintenance needs across its parks, including a proposal to add diamond dust to the Centerline softball diamonds.

The meeting was called to order at 8:02 a.m. by Vice-Chair Jon Schneider and held at Newaygo City Hall. A motion by Kim Goodin, seconded by Jane Parsley, carried to approve the July 10, 2025 meeting minutes. Later, a motion by John Clark, seconded by Erik Larsen, carried to approve the current month's financial reports and accounts payable; both motions were recorded as AIF/MC (all in favor/motion carried).

John Clark, the Croton Township representative, reported he had spoken with a representative of Double L Irrigation about recent work at the Centerline Fields and said the U-14 softball team is renting the fields this fall. Clark urged adding diamond dust to improve the diamonds and described a multiyear conversation with Little League about the project. Clark said Greenline Sports Turf provided a quote but requires "a 50% deposit by September 15th to secure a spot on their fall schedule," and that Little League could cover the initial cost but doing so would substantially deplete the group's funds. The board reached a consensus to ask all member entities whether they can donate funds toward the project; once donations are known, the board will assess any shortfall and determine how much the authority can contribute.

Vice-Chair Jon Schneider reviewed overall revenues and recent repair and maintenance invoices, mentioning payments to Double L Irrigation and Comstock Turf. Kim Goodin reported a damaged soccer goal post has been repaired and returned to the fields. Asa Vermeulen, the county representative, said the Pickleball Group power-washed and cleaned the courts and that they "look very good." Vermeulen also said the county will work on the disc-golf fairways as time allows and plans to email the group sample signage for the road and hole markers; Schneider and Vermeulen discussed adjusting the layout of several holes, and Schneider offered to explore funding options if changes are needed.

Schneider said Luke Francis, a teacher at NPS, and his students have completed substantial understructure repairs at the skate park over the past two school years and will begin additional surface repairs soon; Schneider noted some surface areas may require replacement in coming years. Board member Asa Vermeulen said the board would like to revitalize the pond at Henning Park and is seeking ideas. The meeting adjourned at 9:14 a.m. on a motion by Jennifer Badgero, seconded by Schneider (AIF/MC).

The board's next steps are to solicit donations from member entities for the diamond-dust work on the Centerline fields and to confirm whether the Greenline deposit deadline of Sept. 15 will be met; no further schedule for board action was recorded in the minutes.