Board approves $44,000 cooperative purchase for ball-field fencing; some members urge broader park spending balance

The Greenwood Board approved Resolution 2025-90 to enter a cooperative purchasing contract with Geyer Fence Company to repair and replace backstops and fencing at Ball Field 1, Ball Field 2 and Ball Field 3 at Joldene Head Park, using a quoted cost of $44,000.

Parks staff said the work will replace warped and damaged fence sections, remove raised concrete bases and install straight backstops to reduce safety risks for players and spectators. "These repairs will take care of these backstops," staff said, framing the scope as routine safety/maintenance.

Several alderpersons acknowledged the safety rationale but urged the board to balance spending across park assets. One member noted substantial spending already committed to Hitt Park and questioned concentrating additional funds on ball fields. "We've got other things we could do at the other parks that would benefit residents," a board member said during discussion.

Staff responded that the $44,000 is fiscally responsible within current park budgets and that some parts of other projects are grant-reimbursable; they also said maintenance budgets retained funds to address other needs. The motion carried after discussion.

What happens next: staff will execute the cooperative purchase contract and schedule the repairs; board members flagged continuing discussion about priorities for other parks projects, including playgrounds, splash pads and potential reimbursement opportunities for larger undertakings.