02-18-2002Blair Park Board Meeting
February 18, 2002
W Blair Park Board met at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. on February 18, 2002. Members present were Neil Jensen, Jim Peterson, Ardith Pounds,
Ann George. Pat Long represented the Blair Parks Department. Judy Seaver also attended the meeting.
Jim Peterson's motion that the minutes of the November 14, 2001, Park Board meeting be approved was seconded by Ardith
Pounds. The motion was carried.
Approval of Bills. There were no major bills needing approval. Pat Long said that picnic tables made of plastic- coated metal had been
ordered in December.
Report of Arboretum Curator. Neil Jensen reported that $1000, part of a matching grant, had been received from the Nebraska Statewide
Arboretum (NSA) for tree labels and a Steyer Park sign. He also said that NSA dues must be sent in; he will get in touch with Jennie
Warrick, treasurer of the Friends of the Blair Arboretum. He has received a letter from the Blair Area. Community Foundation asking if
Friends of the Arboretum wished to continue to be listed in the foundation's publication; Neil will notify the foundation that it should.
Future projects, he said, include new signs for three parks: one to replace the former sign in Rhoades Park, and the other two as second
signs for Steyer and Black Elk - Neihardt Parks.
Old Business. Gene Solomon memorial bench at Black Elk - Neihardt Park: Pat Long reported that the bench has been installed, and he
showed members the plaque that will be placed by it. Parks brochure: Neil Jensen said that his wife, Kathy Jensen, is working on the
brochure layout. Still needed are a photo of Ralph Steyer and a simplified map from HunTel; Neil will try to obtain both. If possible, a copy
of the proposed brochure will be sent to Park Board members before the next meeting. Eagle Scout project picnic shelter at north end of
Black Elk - Neihardt Park: Pat Long reported that the Boy Scout who has proposed this project is working on finding an appropriate
shelter.
New Business. Election of officers for 2002: The following were elected by unanimous vote — President, Neil Jensen (nominated by
Jim Peterson, seconded by Ardith Pounds); Vice President, Kathy Kuster (nominated by Jim Peterson, seconded by Ardith
P nds); Secretary, Ann George (nominated by Ardith Pounds; seconded by Jim Peterson).
A
ects: The following projects were proposed and discussed. Members will review them at their March meeting to establish priorities.
Replace retaining wall in Steyer Park valley
Complete park signage
Move several trees -- Rhoades and Black Elk - Neihardt Parks
Place directional signs at 16 and Washington to Steyer and Lions Parks
Complete tree labeling
Complete parks brochure
Consider Park additions:
Skate board rink
Ice- skating rink
Basketball court(s) - -Lions Park
Plant more trees, including some that are unique
Conduct educational programs for children and adults
Complete sidewalk across Steyer Park
Improve and update mapping of plants to see what needs to be replanted (Judy Seaver, a member of Friends of the Arboretum,
volunteered to work on a plan to update plantings in Steyer Park)
Develop amphitheater at Steyer Park (or Black Elk - Neihardt)
Replace playgound equipment at Steyer Park with equipment similar to that at Arbor School
Relocate playground equipment at Steyer Park
Jim Peterson's motion that the meeting be adjourned was seconded by Ardith Pounds and carried. The next meeting is set for
March 13.
Respectfully submitted,
•
Ann George, Secretary