The Recreation Park Board was scheduled to hold its first meeting of 2016 last Thursday, February 25, but again, the lack of members to attend forced the cancellation of an official business meeting where any action could be taken.

Only four board members, along with Park Director Bobby Reneau, were in attendance. That was also shy of enough executive committee members to conduct official business or take any type of votes.

Board members on hand did, however, discuss general business and upcoming events, primarily the July 4th Fireworks Show that has become an annual event at Mountain View Park. This year will be no different as far as events go, with possibly an addition or two.

In year’s past, however, the event had been sponsored and put on by the Albany-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, which opted out of putting on the show after last year and basically turned it over to the park board.

Board member Jay Garner, who has been involved with the 4th of July celebration program for several years, said the board was actually getting a bit of a late start in the planning for this year’s show, noting that some of the activities, including the company putting on the fireworks itself and other events needed to be booked in advance.

The board will attempt to retain the same sponsors and raise funds to put on the show as in years past and continue to make the day an entire afternoon/night event, beginning about mid-afternoon on July 4th with events leading up to the fireworks display at 9 p.m.

The car show, which has steadily increased in the number of vehicles on display each year, will once again be planned and the always popular all day inflatables for kids will be back in 2016.

The park board hopes to also get some additional music, as well as keeping the gospel groups that perform on an annual basis, and will be looking at expanding activities for not only this year, but in years to come.

The board members also briefly discussed the Little League program, primarily in relation to allowing that organization to operate and sell the concessions during the season this upcoming year and other issues involving the upcoming season.

Little League has already held its initial meeting and have apparently scheduled opening day for Saturday, April 16. Dates for player sign-ups will be forthcoming.

Reneau also discussed some buildings and grounds issues, including the recent installation of parking curbs. Board members thanked the Healthy Hometown Coalition program for funding the new curbs inside the park and around the walking track area.

The park board will hold a special call meeting on Thursday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at the park and the meeting is open to the public.