Parks board approves three special events, hears update on Wawa Street Bridge mural

The Chair of the Board of Parks and Recreation called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and led members in routine business, including approval of the May minutes.

The board unanimously approved a motion to accept the minutes as presented after a motion and second. At the start of the operational updates, the department’s staff member reported that pool operations are currently the single largest expenditure while weather is warm. “We just picked up 12 more buckets of chlorine tabs and 6 more buckets of muriatic acid, so you're looking at another $6,000,” the staff member said, adding that staff have been working to keep chemical levels balanced to avoid rapid chlorine loss during the recent heat.

Under new business the board considered three special-event applications together. The Chair summarized the items as a United Fund pickleball tournament, a Wabash River Defenders event scheduled for July 25 at Paradise Springs, and JA's Duck Derby at the pool. The staff member described logistics for the pickleball tournament and said the organizers intend to post signs reserving courts during play and to donate proceeds or equipment back to the courts. Asked whether the pickleball tournament runs mornings, the staff member confirmed it is scheduled "8 to 12" both days. The staff member also described the Duck Derby as a short, family-oriented event: “it’s about 1000 ducks that just go down there, and then they get channeled in,” she said.

The board moved to approve all three special-event applications in one motion; the ayes prevailed and Chair announced the events were approved.

Later the board discussed a proposed mural for the Wawa Street Bridge. A presenter reported that primer and stenciling are already in place and that she has "almost I think at least 8 students from all over the county" signed up to help paint when conditions permit. The presenter said in-person work has been delayed at times by heat and rain; she noted logistical and safety considerations for completing higher sections of the wall, including the need for equipment, drop cloths, and possible waivers for students who will work at height. She also said Sam has donated the paint and colors have been finalized.

The Chair said a member of the team, Eric, will likely take photos of the work and suggested preparing a press release once painting begins to avoid confusion when the public first sees the stenciled design. The presenter said the group will likely schedule multiple work days to accommodate student availability and local youth activities. No formal vote or action on the mural was recorded; the exchange closed with agreement to coordinate logistics.

The meeting adjourned at 7:13 a.m.; participants indicated they had an off-the-record follow-up conversation.

What happens next: the approved event organizers may proceed with permitted activities subject to the department’s standard event requirements; the mural team will coordinate dates, safety measures and communications with staff before on-site painting begins.