The Clinton County Recreation Park Board’s Executive Committee met last Thursday, June 28 and reviewed improvements currently being made at the park, as well as putting in place measures to ensure further, much needed improvements are made.

Four committee members along with maintenance director Michael Hood were present for the approximate 50-minute session.

It was first noted that the youth tournament that had been originally scheduled for June 2 to benefit the local travel teams has been rescheduled under the direction of Coach Todd Messer, for this coming Saturday, June 7 at Mt. View Park.

Also, as of last week, the new basketball goals had been installed and sealing and striping of the courts was underway by the Dalton Company.

Board member Paula Little then discussed an ongoing issue of the shape the softball and baseball fields are in. She noted funds from the Healthy Hometown Coalition would cover the cost of total repairs to the baseball field of approximately $9,900.00.

Little also noted a professional field consultant had met with herself and Coach Messer, who is a member of the little league board, about total repairs for the softball field, which is estimated at approximately $17,000.

Little noted that Coach Messer and the Little League Board was in the process of raising enough funds toward the softball field project, which would apparently take place this fall, if enough funds are available.

The board, on a motion by Gina Poore, voted 4-0 to proceed with trying to get both fields repaired (drainage, leveling, etc.) and Randy Speck made a motion for the local park board to donate $1,000–most of which will come from just over $900 in the now defunct July 4th fireworks account, to go toward having both fields repaired by next season. Speck’s motion also passed by unanimous vote.

The board also reviewed some photos of “caged dugouts” to replace the older ones now used at the park and most of the labor could be done by students at Foothills Academy.

The board noted the caged dugouts had advantages, including being cooler and allowing parents and coaches to see what children are doing inside the dugouts during games, not to mention the lower cost of upkeep.

Without the necessity of a vote, the committee decided to host at least one or possibly two fundraisers to help match funding for the cost of installing new dugouts, with some type of fundraiser to be planned just after Labor Day weekend.

Hood also noted that several new benches have been put in place in the stands at the ball fields and he also thanked Mitchell Hunter (Roger’s Tire) for installing the tires on the Gator equipment at no charge to the park.

Prior to adjourning, the board also voted to approve the treasurer’s report and previous meetings minutes.

The next regular meeting of the Clinton County Recreation/Park Board is scheduled for July 26 at 5 p.m. at the park and is open to the public.