Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley and park board Chairman Cal Bowers at Tuesday’s meeting.
Pools and ponds were among the focuses during Tuesday’s Parks and Recreation Board meeting.
Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley noted that with last week’s temperatures in the 90s, it was “obviously a bit crazy with the heat,” with high attendance at the City Pool and Waterpark Complex. However, Otley said that “our young staff rises to the occasion.”
She said that two behavioral issues – both involving the same individuals – were dealt with and handled well.
Otley also noted that work is planned at Simpson Garden Park, focused on the Children’s Garden area, which she said is about 18 years old. That garden, she said, “is getting a refresh,” with the pond area to be overhauled and turned into an aquatic garden.
She said that work there is expected to begin in July. A mural is also set to be installed at the building, and will take place after the work on the pond.
“We’re excited about that,” said Otley.
In other business, the board:
• Heard from Recreation Coordinator Ivan Kovacevic that, with summer in full swing, camps offered by the parks have seen strong attendance, with most camps near or at capacity. He also noted that the recent Art in the Park event at Simpson drew as many as 250 attendees.
• Heard from Otley that a memorial event for former BG Councilwoman Sandy Rowland will be held Aug. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veteran’s Building in City Park. Otley said the location was “extremely fitting,” noting that “Sandy served on the design team for that building.”
• Heard from Otley that a longtime parks staff member, Deb Knuth, a fixture at the Community Center, recently died after 25 years of service. She noted that a plaque honoring her is now at the center.
• Heard from member Ardy Gonyer that this year the Parks and Recreation Foundation will conduct a fund and membership drive in place of the annual Party for the Parks, to support all of the works being undertaken by the foundation.
• Heard from Gonyer that July 22, from 5-8 p.m. will be Parks and Recreation Foundation night at the Bowling Green Culver’s location. During that time, 10% of all sales will be donated to Simpson Garden Park.
Tuesday’s meeting was conducted at the Hoffman Shelter at City Park.
