For the second month in a row, there weren’t enough members of the Recreation Park Board on hand to hold a full board meeting, however, there was again enough members of the board’s executive committee (four of six) on hand to conduct official business last Thursday evening, August 27.

Although only general business was primarily discussed, it was learned unofficially after the meeting that the park may be in line for some major funding through different state and federal sources that could bring additional improvements to the park, about and beyond the current project to repave the walking track.

Park Director Bobby Reneau said the University of Kentucky Extension Service, working with the local extension service, as well as possible grant funding from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) was in the study phase and coincides with work that has been done through the Healthy Hometown Coalition.

No specifics can be released as the process is ongoing, but more information will be announced if or when finalized.

Reneau did note, however, that the Extension Service through UK will be providing additional park benches and other items to the park in the near future.

After approving the treasurer’s report last week, board members discussed the recent 127 Sale, noting revenues from booth space rentals this year was $2,640.00. It was also noted that the most recent sale drew a lot more visitors to the park than the previous year, despite the early rains that ended just in time for the primary sale days of Thursday through Saturday in the week.

Board members also discussed some possible ideas for next year, including how to attract more food vendors to the set up during the sale. There were no food vendors at the park in 2015, but Reneau said at least one vendor had already expressed interest in setting up next year.

Reneau said all spaces in the Farmer’s Market building, not only this year, but next year as well, have already been taken. Those spaces rent for $100 each; food vendor spaces are $200 and regular outdoor area spaces are $60.00.

The board also discussed an upcoming fundraiser to go toward repaving the existing walking track and possibly doing paving in additional areas at the park. A committee is working to get that project put together and funding in place. The project is being put on the fast-track, since it will need to be completed by the end of October, the time period when paving companies shut down for the winter season.

There will be youth soccer returning to the park this year as well, as the 21st Century will be signing up players this week and the season will begin at the park later this month.

The board agreed to allow the Soccer Boosters Club to sell concessions, with the park board getting the standard 10 percent fee from sales.

Reneau also announced there would be a coed softball tournament held at the park the weekend of September 26 and thanked Odell Key for helping out with some projects at the park.

The next regular meeting of the Recreation Park Board is scheduled for Thursday, September 24 at 6 p.m. at the park and is open to the public.