The Recreation Park Board held a special call meeting last Thursday night, March 24 with eight members and park director Bobby Reneau present.

The board first approved the monthly treasurer’s report, which showed the board getting low once again on operating funds–with a balance of $1.42. This is an occurrence that usually happens around this point in the year before city and county allotted funds are received.

The board again discussed plans for the upcoming July 4th celebration, which basically fell into the lap of the board when the Chamber of Commerce opted to cease putting on the program after last year.

There is a sense of urgency in retaining the fireworks company that put on last year’s fireworks display, especially since most pyrotechnic companies book events well in advance.

That, along with getting sponsors to fund the fireworks show and other events that will take place was also discussed, again with an urgency to round up sponsors and get funding in place as soon as possible.

Board member Jay Garner agreed to work on securing the company who put on the fireworks display last year, as well as getting the sponsors in place who have been promoting the event in the past.

Apparently the Chamber of Commerce has committed a $500 donation towards the event. Also, in year’s past, the city of Albany has allotted $3,000; the Industrial Authority $1,500; the bouncy houses set up for the kids have been co-sponsored by local businesses, among other donations.

The event will be similar to last year, with the return of the Car Show, which is gaining in popularity and participation; the all-day inflatables for the kids, live music, including a performance prior to the fireworks by the Alumni Band and concessions will be available, courtesy of the park board.

The board hopes to have more confirmation on many aspects for the July 4th event by its next meeting in April.

Following discussion on the July 4th events, Board member Paula Little presented the board members with some more good news, thanks to the Healthy Hometown Coalition.

That organization apparently plans to use matching park board funds to obtain grants to carry out some more additions and improvements to Mountain View Park in the near future.

Currently being planned is the construction of a “pre-school” area playground to cater to younger children. The area would be fenced in to fit the size of smaller children and the equipment will cater to around 30 children at a time, according to information presented to the board last week. A motion by board member Leland Hicks to proceed with that particular project passed by unanimous vote.

Another project, to help utilize the space still available at the park, would include the construction of a “multi-purpose” field that would accommodate various sports and activities. The area would be a little bit smaller overall than the size of a football field.

In conjunction with the multi-field project, it may also include the addition of a small set of bleachers and other items, and possibly a batting cage.

The projects are currently in the works and will take some time to finalize, but more details will be made available later.

The board also discussed Little League baseball and it was noted they will again allow that organization to sell concessions during the season, setting a set fee rate to be paid, in lieu of the 10 percent in revenue as in years past.

Any fees collected by the board will be used in some way to help out Little League, whether it be in work on the fields, etc.

Little League opening day is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 23.

Prior to adjourning, the board also discussed two lawn mowers the board has, both of which are in need of repairs. The board directed park director Reneau to try and get the funds necessary to repair the mowers and get the mowing started at the park as soon as possible.

The Recreation Park board will hold another call meeting on Thursday, April 21 at 6 p.m. at Mountain View Park. The meeting is open to the general public.