MPR board discusses dog park, indoor pool again

Maryville Park and Recreation board members worked through a variety of new business items, including discussion on building a dog park and indoor pool again as well as a new outdoor fitness court during their regular meeting on September 6.

Board member Adam Teale was approached by a citizen regarding the dog park. He said Meyer Fencing is willing to offer labor to place any fencing and Deb Toomey at Northwest Missouri State University is working with her marketing class to survey citizens regarding interest, location and other items. Once the data is available, the board would like to meet with engaged citizens to discuss options.

Teale also met with a group of people in regards to building an indoor pool who are eager to begin plans and fundraising. The board, however, is concerned about maintenance and long-term sustainability. The board has discussed the idea in the past and has looked at neighboring communities whose facilities all operate at a deficit.

Interim Director Shelly Hersh told board members she is looking to add an outdoor fitness court to one of the parks, possibly Judah or the Donaldson Skate Park. The company she is looking into does a matching system with cities that invest in the court and fitness equipment. She will work on getting additional information to the board.

Hersh also told the board that Maryville Community Center pickleball players have asked for more quality equipment. As some of it can be expensive, Hersh suggested the players purchase their own equipment and store it at the MCC. The group has also asked for new striping on the courts, an outdoor facility and classes to be held. They would like to have the MCC registered as a national pickleball facility. Hersh will work on restriping the courts for their use after youth volleyball concludes and recommended possibly converting a tennis court to a pickleball court at a later date as funds can be allocated.

In other business, the board approved the July minutes, the financial reports and the 2019 fiscal budget to be presented to the city council for final approval.

MCC report:

• A pole in the parking lot was struck by lightning during a recent storm and the electricity traveled into the building. Lighting and other electrical items were affected. To repair the damaged circuits and wall packs, an electrician was called and an insurance claim will be filed to cover the costs, but there will be a $1,000 deductible. An estimate for all the repairs is being gathered and the MCC and the National Guard will need to share the cost as the strike affected parts throughout the building and parking lot.

• The large air conditioning unit on the lower level keeps tripping the breaker. The wiring needs to be resoldered at an estimated cost of $1,000. Also, two fans on the track have broken and will need to be replaced.

• Staff is working to keep exercise equipment running and making repairs as needed.

• Total attendance was down to 6,036 in August due to the closure of the Maryville Aquatic Center.

• No large rentals are booked with only typical monthly rentals.

Director’s report:

• The motor/pump from the MAC was picked up for repair and any costs for repairs should be included in the 2018 budget.

• The MAC concession stand was able to get a refund from Coke for $891 for unused products and the high school’s boosters club purchased some of the candy at a discounted rate, which helped recoup some costs due to closing early.

• Mowing has increased with the amount of rainfall and the rain has also made field maintenance difficult.

• NWMSU has reached out to MPR and wants to partner with its intramural sports.

• The last two drinking fountains have been installed, one at Donaldson Park and one at Happy Hallow.

• Open enrollment for health insurance began for employees.

The next regular meeting will be held on October 4.