Work on the Trenton Park Department five-year master plan will get under way in earnest in the next few weeks as the group begins focusing on the priorities for the park system.
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During a meeting of the Trenton Park Board held Tuesday afternoon at city hall, the five-year committee meeting for 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16. One of the things to be discussed at the meeting is what item or items might be included in a grant application through the Grundy County Health Department as part of the Missouri Foundation for Health’s Social Innovations for Missouri program. Elizabeth Gibson and Molly Long of the GCHD were at the meeting to discuss the matching grant that can award a minimum of $100,000 for two years. The program is a one-to-one match, meaning if the department is awarded $100,000, it would need to provide an additional $100,000 to the project. The focus, they said, is on obesity and tobacco use prevention.
The first step of that grant process is the submission of a “concept paper” that would outline the program or programs to be funded through the grant. Based on that paper, it will be determined if a grant application may be submitted. The park board would have a year to obtain the matching funds if the grant is awarded.
Trenton Community Developer Ralph Boots said that by leveraging local funds, private donations, etc., the match can be raised, with programs and projects implemented in phases.
Mrs. Long said she can see how this grant could be used to construct permanent soccer fields, but was quick to say that she was just making a suggestion. She said that whatever the park board determines is a priority could be used, but that she needs some direction to submit the concept paper, which is due Sept. 22. If the department is asked to submit an application, it would be due Dec. 15.
The five-year committee, which consists of Mitch Dougan, Mike Bosley and Pam Hattesohl, will be discussing a survey to get community input, as well as the concept paper and other long-range plans when they meet Sept. 16. Other board members are also invited to attend.
Board President Bosley appointed members to various committees. Named to the Pool Committee were Bosley, Tara Christy and Paul Bruinsma, while Dougan, Mrs. Hattesohl and Mel Houghton were named to the finance committee. The Grounds Committee will include Steve Perry, Chanse Elliott and Gayla Batson.
Park Superintendent Jason Shuler reported that Trenton Municipal Utilities electric department has finished the installation of all lighting at Grimes Field. They installed four 70-foot electric poles, mounted cross-arms and light fixtures and installed new overhead electric lines. The original plan had been to put new lights, including additional lighting, on the field, but at $285 each, that plan proved to be cost-prohibitive.
Shuler reported on the softball and baseball activities and said the pool season is complete and Gary Hanes will begin the painting of the pool on Sept. 7. In discussing Eastside Park, Shuler said his department has trenched and installed the electrical wiring to all the new metal poles encompassing both basketball courts, the horseshoe court and tennis court. He said they have also finished installing the switch pole bases and mounted them and TMU has installed the electric meter box, timer and contactor switch, as well as underground service line to the switch boxes. He also said the problem with water ponding on the walking trail near the entrance of Eastside Park has been alleviated with help from the Trenton Street Department.
The next regular meeting of the full board is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6.