Projects, projects and more projects
PRINCETON — Lighting and painting upgrades, repairing equipment and planting an estimated 300 trees were among the more than 90 projects completed during the past 12 months at the Bureau County Metro Center and at the parks of the Princeton Park District.
At Monday’s meeting at the Metro Center, the Princeton Park Board reviewed the year-end highlights for the park district, as presented by Elaine Russell, executive director, and Superintendent of Parks Keith Scherer.
Russell said it never ceases to amaze her how much is accomplished in a 12-month period. More than 50 projects were completed at the Metro Center and 40 projects completed at the city parks. Those projects represented just the highlights of the year, not all the projects done, she said.
The Metro Center projects included, in part, the removal//replacement of a sewer pump, ceiling and lighting work in the Jacuzzi area, and repairing the pool leak, all in January. Other projects during the year included updating the gym lighting, repairing the racquetball court ceiling, installing new scoreboards in the gym, revamping the spin room and repainting the cardio room, replacing all four televisions in the cardio room, buying 11 new spin bikes, installing an upgraded pool lift in the Metro pool and repairing cracks in the north end of the gym wall.
The 2012 projects for the district’s parks included, in part, an upgrade at the City-County Park shop, cleaning and organizing the new Peru Street shop, working on getting the outfield light poles and third base light pole replaced at West Side Park, installing two decorative wind mills at Zearing Park, staining the West Side concession building, power-washing and cleaning the City-County Park cabin, repairing and re-roofing the large shelter and restrooms at City-County Park, and mowing and trimming all parks as needed.
In other business at Monday’s meeting, the board reviewed several staff reports, including one submitted by Beth Weger, aquatics coordinator who is also serving as interim recreational coordinator.
After Monday’s meeting, Russell said Weger has been serving as interim recreational coordinator since November. Weger replaces Ryan Luecke, who had served in that position for four years. At the present time, Weger and other staff are fulfilling the responsibilities of the recreational coordinator position, with no immediate plans to find a replacement for Luecke, Russell said.
In other business at Monday’s meeting, Russell updated the board on the district’s financial picture. The park district has a total of $1,015,403 due in bond and real estate payment obligations during 2013. Looking at the 2011-12 fiscal year just completed, the district had $2,576,929 of actual expenses and $2,826,571 in actual revenues. The district ended the year with a net increase in cash of $227,856, which was especially good in light of the net decrease of a negative $198,532 in ending cash for the previous year, Russell said.
The board reviewed and adjusted a crisis management plan for consideration.
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