The parks and recreation board met on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and welcomed a new park board member who replaced James Zachery. In addition, Dan Burklow introduced Zach Goodwin, the new assistant parks director, and Brian Sowder as the full-time laborer/foreman. Andrew Miller is also employed part-time.
However, the election of officers brought no changes. Sharpe shared the following officers with the following positions: President Mike Daubenspeck, Assistant Vice President Lou Starkey, and Acting Secretary David Malson. Banks made a motion to maintain the same leadership. Vogel seconded the motion.
Burklow reported the parks department is continuing to improve all parks and do upgrades to facilities. For example, the Mathews Shelter house walls and floors have been repainted, and new cabinets and a stove have been installed. In the future, Burklow reported future renters of the Mathews Shelter would be held accountable by keeping deposits if the place is damaged or left in an unsatisfactory state.
"We take pride in what we have, and people are going to be held more responsible in renting it," Burklow stated. "Several have left the shelter house unsatisfactory in the past."
Burklow provided an update on the Carol Jenkins Davis Park in other park news. Seating and concrete have been poured, and landscaping and pergola updates are planned for spring.
Burklow shared a partnership between the parks department and the Purdue Extension office. Burklow stated he is working with the Purdue Extension office and others to put in a prairie. The parks department has entered a cost-sharing program. Burklow shared that four-and-a-half acres have been killed off, and Purdue and DNR will drill in prairie at no cost to Rushville. "This will create a boundary for the disc golf course," Burklow stated. "The third year, it will really take off. We are under a seven-year contract, and it has to be maintained every year. It is a mow, grow and burn. They have done some drilling. This will eliminate mowing for the department and make the disc golf course more unique."
It was reported the pool concessions cost more than what was brought in. Burklow explained last year's prices went up drastically. Banks suggested raising prices to break even due to the pool finishing $35,547.00 in the negative. The board asked Burklow to put together some figures and bring to the next meeting for discussion. Burklow will check with other cities on their fees for swimming pools and get food prices from different companies.