The Trenton Park Board discussed the appraisals of C.F. Russell Stadium and the land on which Griffin Field is located during a meeting held Wednesday evening at city hall.
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The board and the Trenton R-9 School District has sought the appraisals in preparation for a possible swap of properties. Currently, the stadium is owned by the city and maintained by the school district, while Griffin Field is owned by the school district and maintained by the park department. Making the swap would allow the school district to apply for grants to renovate the stadium and bring it into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The appraisal, conducted by Margaret Minear Appraisal Service of Livonia, listed the value of the stadium at $281,600 and the value of the Griffin Field, including the land and buildings located on it, at $207,500. Board member Marti Williams said the buildings, which include a concession stand, shelter house and restroom facility, were not supposed to be included in the appraisal and explain why the two properties are valued so closely. Board members said the appraisal values should not affect the property exchange as the values were not a factor in the decision to move forward. The cost of the appraisal was $500, which will be split evenly between the school district and the park board. The park department will also be billed for one-half of the survey of the land. The exchange still needs final approval by the Trenton City Council and the Trenton R-9 School District.
The board addressed a concern by Trenton resident Carolyn Garcia concerning the plan to fence the skate park. Mrs. Garcia was concerned that locking the skaters out of the park would just encourage them to be in the streets and on the parking lots. She was told by board members that the plan is to only lock the facility when it is necessary due to other events occurring in the area or for extreme vandalism or misbehavior at the park. The fence is also viewed as a safety measure to protect those sitting outside of the skate park. Board members said that having a fence gives them some control of the skate park. Mrs. Garcia also asked about a plaque to recognize donors and was told that it will be placed on the fence after it is installed.
In other business, the board continued a discussion of by-laws, with additional changes to be made before approval, and discussed memorial benches that have recently been placed. It was also noted that the Steve Crawford memorial area at Gladys Grimes Park is in need of repairs and Park Superintendent Jason Shuler said he thinks the benches should be replaced and a concrete area poured. The Crawford family paid for the original memorial area, but Shuler said he feels it is the board’s responsibility to maintain it.
Board members verbally committed to pay up to $2,000 for new windows at city hall. The cost of the new windows is being split between 12 city departments and the department will officially approve the funding when the exact amount is known.
A discussion was held concerning the recent $15,000 donation from the Hazel Frey Estate, which has been earmarked as seed money for the renovation of the Moberly Park tennis courts. Mitch Dougan and Mike Bosley have been asked to look at the courts and make recommendations on what work should be done.
In his report, Shuler said the parking curb stops along the south side of Burleigh Grimes Field have been installed and the department’s in-kind match on the grant for the walking trail extension is now complete. The paperwork on that grant is due Dec. 31 by the city and Board President Steve Muff asked for confirmation by the city by about Dec. 22 that the paperwork has been submitted.
Shuler said that with the exception of Van Meter, all of the shelter houses in the park system have been rewired with new outlets and lighting. Ceilings have also been installed in all of the shelter houses. River rock is still being placed at the play areas at Gladys Grimes, Van Meter and Eastside parks as it becomes available.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 3.