MPR to host summer concert series at Donaldson amphitheater

A concert in the park series will be held this summer at the Donaldson Westside Park amphitheater.

MPR Director Aaron Dobson discussed plans with the Maryville Parks and Recreation Board at the regular meeting on March 2.

He and Jordyn Swalley, MPR special events and marketing manager, have been working to organize the summer concert series and securing sponsorships from various locals businesses.

Dobson said negotiations are still being conducted with the bands, but at this time, the series will be held on June 3 with a country cover band, on June 10 with a Beatles tribute band and on June 17 with a Poison tribute band.

Maryville Hy-Vee has agreed to secure a liquor license for the event and fencing will be placed in a designated area to restrict alcohol consumption. The board agreed to allow alcohol at the event.

In other business, the board heard from City Manager Greg McDanel who shared information regarding the City of Maryville’s ballot question which asks voters to continue the current one-half of one percent capital improvement sales tax for an additional 20 years. If the tax is approved, the money will primarily be used for asphalt overlay projects, improvements to South Main Street and an updated public safety facility.

The board approved the February 2 minutes and expenditures in the financial report.

The planning committee also made several recommendations after which the board approved the Thomas Lawn Care LLC bid for ground maintenance for $30,940 and the Northwest Heating and Cooling bid for a mechanical unit in the amount of $8,400. The planning committee also recommended the board not accept any bids for concessions at this time, to pursue new items and more efficient equipment to ensure a better product.

Director’s report:

• The MPR interns are working with the Humane Society to possibly run an event for dogs at the Easter Eggstravaganza.

• Shelly Hersh has been in contact with the chemical provider for the pool and costs will come in at the same rate as last year.

• A request has been sent in to the US Army Corps of Engineers for jurisdictional determination in regards to Robertson-Crist Park. There is no timeline from the Corps on a formal determination. However, verbally, they do not see any issue with the plans.

• Dobson met with Development Consultant Adam Jones and Diane Sudhoff and Kathryn Rice, both with MPAC, on February 16 about opportunities to bring art to the parks. They would like to have a larger meeting in the future with various businesses and organizations to discuss opportunities for all of Maryville.

• The espresso coffee machine was sold in January to a local businessman who plans to open a coffee and board game shop in the downtown area. The machine sold for $3,061, and after fees for the auction company, MPR received $2,984.48.

• Dobson will attend the MPRA Conference, March 7-10, in Branson and the NRPA Revenue Development and Management School, March 12-17, in Wheeling, WV.

• MPR will participate in the Northwest career fair and will be advertising for lifeguards as well as community center and camp staff. MPR is also looking for interns for camp, parks, MCC maintenance, administrative and athletics.

• Five Star Recreation provided a customer service training with 26 staff members in February. Administrative staff has begun looking at opportunities to improve customer service through better training of all staff.

• The Jeff Anderson Memorial Bike Repair Station has been installed at Donaldson Westside Park. His family and friends are working to purchase a bench and tree to add to the site, a memorial plate or plaque and a sidewalk leading to the bench. MPR will have a celebration when the project is complete.