Hancock County Parks Board launches Facebook page, opens park‑site survey and updates trail work; treasurer reports $18,540 impact‑fee balance

The Hancock County Parks and Recreation Board on July 16 announced a new Facebook page and encouraged residents to follow the page and participate in a public survey on future park locations that will remain open through Aug. 14. Board president Mary Morales displayed a QR code and said scannable codes and a large map in the room allow residents to place a colored dot to suggest park locations; results will be compiled and reviewed at the next board meeting.

Treasurer Kelly McClarenan presented the board's most recent financial statement and reported that the impact‑fee balance was $10,300 at the last meeting; the board collected $8,240 in new funds with no expenditures, bringing the balance to $18,540 as of July 15–16.

Morales also provided an update on the Shirley Heritage Trail extension, saying the trail has been laid with photoluminescent aggregate and thermoplastic artwork, a new slatted fence and low‑maintenance plantings are in place, volunteers have been helping with watering, and the project is awaiting a bench and memorial plaque before scheduling a ribbon cutting. The board credited the Hancock County Community Foundation (an Ignite grant), the town of Shirley, the Jane Ross Reeves House organization, county commissioners and the highway department for supporting the project.

The meeting concluded after a brief public‑comment opportunity and a motion to adjourn; the board set its next meeting for Aug. 20 at 10:00 a.m.