September Parks Board Meeting Report

On September 13, 2023, a Logansport Parks & Recreation Board meeting took place. The meeting covered the lower Pavilion at Spencer Park, 2 Resolutions, and management reports from staff members.

A group from the Logansport Historic Preservation Commission spoke to the Parks Board about preservation of the lower Pavilion at Spencer Park. The group is writing up a designation application for the pavilion. They are wanting the structure to stay as much historically accurate as possible. However, it is understood that the main premise is to preserve the longevity of the structure with the help of modern materials that may be more durable.

Members of the Parks Board responded by saying they are in the process of getting the pavilion stabilized. The plan is to work to get the stabilization completed before winter.  From there, the plan is to sit down and get people together in the community that are interested in its preservation.  Together they will need to try to raise money and put it towards the way that the community wants the pavilion fixed.

The resolution of the Logansport Parks and Recreation Board regarding the Spencer Park Pavilion historic designation (PB Resolution 2023-07) was discussed. The resolution points out that a local historic designation would introduce third-party control over the decision-making abilities of the Parks Board, possibly preventing the Parks Board from taking actions it deems necessary.  The resolution passed unanimously.

PB Resolution 2023-08 concerns activity fees and facility rentals for 2024. This includes increases in fees for Muehlhausen Aquatic Center and for programs and shelter rentals.

The monthly management report was given by Parks Administrator Janet Fawley in which she shared the following items:

• The County Commissioners approved the initial request for the cart path funding of $100,000 for each of three years. The County Council will still need to approve this.
• The funding for the Patronicity grant was received for a total of $37,634.35.
• A grant was also submitted to the Cass County Visitors Bureau for Christmas In the Park promotion costs and it was approved.
• Maintenance has completed the septic system at Dykeman and is now finalizing options for the building itself.
• The boulder for Security Federal Savings Bank has been installed at the pavilion located at Fairview Park.
• Maintenance Superintendent Price is also working on changing all the lamp posts at Riverside Park to LED lights.
• The Aquatic Center Report noted that there were a total of 5,985 people in attendance this summer. The income for the center was $21,759.
• The Dykeman Golf Course report shared that daily rounds are up by 1,493 from last year and dollar rounds are up 1,203. Compared to last year the golf course is also up $75,904.
• It was lastly noted that the Parks Department will be doing several events during fall break. A new event taking place will be Howl at the Moon hosted at Huston Park. The event will consist of stargazing, a hayride around the trails, and a campfire.

Public Comments were made by Paul Wilhelm making his disappointment known about the Parks Board’s decision to pass PB Resolution 2023-07 regarding the decision to not want the Historic Designation of the Spencer Park Lower Pavilion.  He feels that were this taken care of 30 years ago, the pavilion would be in better shape today.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 11^th at 5:30 p.m. in the City Building Council Chambers.

Questions may be directed to the Parks Administrator at 574-753-6969 or email to parksadministrator@cityoflogansport.org.