Park Board reviews summer, prepares for winter

The Moberly park Board held its monthly meeting Tuesday hearing wrap ups of the summer activities and plans for the new season to come.

“We don’t have an off season anymore, said Park Superintendent Larry Threlkeld, “We just switch gears.”

The Lodge was a big project completed in the spring. Already several events, including the Randolph County Fair, has been held there. A big “bug” was found in the new facility as it was learned it has a bad noise problem. Acoustic tiles are on the way and Parks employees will install the 800 square feet of material that will help cut the noise.

An open house was held Monday at the Municipal Auditorium to show off all the new improvements. Several programs have been held in the auditorium since renovations were completed. However, tables were spaced out across the main floor, stage curtains were drawn and the floors were shined which made the place look new and larger. Gentle music wafted through the new sound system and some residents who have been away from the auditorium for years due to mobility issues found the new elevator has taken care of that problem. A slide show was provided to show the work that was done and people took self-guided tours, even into the dressing rooms and the new kitchen facility. Parks Director Michael Bork reported about 85 persons attended the open house.

Rothwell Park has seen a busy season with the Aquatic Center open more days this year with twice the swim lesson sessions. Ball fields stayed full, a portion of the Show-Me State games were held here and recently an elementary-age football jamboree brought 37 teams to play. Bork expressed some concern over two concession conflicts which took place stating he would ask the board for more direction next year in regards to allowing private persons to sell concessions.

Parks is now gearing up for the colder season. A big change will come to Rothwell Park at Christmas time.

Last year, the Altrusa Club, which purchases decorative lights each Christmas season for the park, lost $2,500 due to theft and vandalism. Bork said the parks staff recommended to Altrusa, and they agreed, to limiting the location of the decorations rather than have them spread throughout the park.

Bork explained the lights and other decorations would begin at the Lodge, run back by the Saddle Club arena and come out by the Santa House. The Altrusa could set up their donation booth by the Lodge and would possibly receive more donations at that location.

Board member Sam Richardson expressed concern regarding the arrangement.

“It has become quite an attraction,” he said. “Also, it has always been on paved road. This would take them off onto gravel.”

Bork said extra gravel would be brought in for the area before the beginning of the season.

“This is not diminishing the amount of displays,” said Bork. “It would just change the concentration of them. Santa on the jet ski would still be on the lake and some of the lights would be put up into the trees. But Altrusa lost $2,500 last year and took in about $2,200. They don’t have any money but to maintain them. This would bring in more money and reduce their losses.”

Bork also noted it would save on personnel. He explained typically employees spend much of November setting up the displays and much of December maintaining them. The concentration would greatly reduce the workload, he said.

“It’s a test run,” said Bork. “We’ll see how it goes then discuss it again next year.”

Another big change will come to Rothwell Park and should be completed before Christmas – the demolition of the old swimming pool. Rick Davidson took the department up on its offer to remove lumber and materials from the location, paying $100 for what he takes.

“This actually saves us money,” said Bork. “There will be less to haul to the dump.”

Bids will be taken soon on the demolition of the pool. Bork said the building will be removed but the pumps will be stored and plumbing left in place in case the City decided to put a fountain or some other type of water feature at that location. Also, At least 18 inches of fill will be piled on the site to make it easier should they decide to put something in its place late.

A surplus auction was held last weekend. Bork said the Riley Pavilion was filled with items from various departments. The items grossed a total $9,600 with a profit to Parks over $6,400.

The board will review five proposals from firms to update its master plan. Bork said this hasn’t been done in about 14 years. Costs for the plan average from $63,000 to $75,000.

Officers were re-elected to the park and Recreation Board. They include Harley Mattox, president; Don Hughes, vice president; and Mary Lee Noel, secretary/treasurer.