2023-11-08
Blair Park Board Meeting Minutes for November 8, 2023
Call to Order: The Blair Park Board meeting was called to order by Vice
President Sarah Boeka at 7 p.m.
Present: Kristi Rounds, Sarah Boeka, Joe Burns, Betsy Anderson and
Park Superintendent Pat Long.
Approval of Minutes: The September 13, 2023 minutes were approved by
Kristi Rounds and seconded by Joe Burns.
Approval of Bills: No bills were submitted for approval.
Old Business:
1. Steyer Park has been selected as the tentative site for the
proposed dog park. Adjustments continue to be made to the
location site. When the exact dimensions are determined,
estimates will be obtained for cost of fencing.
New Business:
1. Brent Fullmer presented an update on the bike trail system at
Black Elk Neihardt Park. In March between 20 and 30 volunteers
made repairs and upgrades to the trail system. Due to the winter
freezing/thawing cycle and major rain storms, the jump line and
track were in need of repacking. Temporary water control
measures along the trail were made permanent. Upcoming
enhancements will be little side features such as a water control
feature, a skills area, teeter totter, “skinnies” (raised narrow
platforms) and a “rock garden”.
The NICA race held at the bike trail was very successful. There
were over 300 racers with guests. The event was coordinated with
the city, Angles Shares and Easter Seals; this was an excellent
example of good coordination.
Plans are still underway for the proposed pump track. Mr. Fullmer
has applied for a Federal Grant for Recreational Trails-this grant is
awarded in January. Currently he has raised $34,000 for the
pump track. At least $55,000 is still needed for completion of the
project.
2. Update of fall projects:
a. The City of Blair Tannenbaum Festival is scheduled for the
November 16th. The park employees will be putting up the
holiday decorations and lights prior to the event.
b. Broken branches and downed limbs at Black Elk Neihardt
Park have been cleaned up. In addition the dead shrubs
south of the water tower have been removed.
c. The poured in place surfacing at Southern Hills and
Ridgeview Parks has been completed and the play
equipment is now installed.
d. A new part time seasonal worker has been hired.
e. The docks at Optimist Park have been pulled out.
Additionally the fish cleaning station and the public
bathrooms have been closed for the winter.
f. Plans for the spring include top coating and reconditioning
the poured in place surfacing at Stemmerman and Steyer
Parks. Also some of the trees at Southern Hills will need to
be replaced because of deer rubbing. Construction of
sidewalks and parking at Southern Hills will begin in the
spring.
Adjournment: Betsy Anderson’s motion to adjourn the meeting was
seconded by Joe Burns. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Betsy Anderson November 10, 2023