Park Board Hears Update On Griffin Field

Trenton Park Board members heard an update on the renovation of Griffin Field and approved the construction of a new sign at the Ebbe Sports Complex during a meeting held at Moberly Park Wednesday afternoon.
Park Superintendent Jason Shuler told the board that he does not expect any softball games to be played on the field this fall, meaning that the Trenton Middle School, Trenton High School and North Central Missouri College women’s team will have to manage with only the use of Johnson Field. He said the renovation is nearly complete and additional laser grading will be done to the infield. The irrigation system has been installed, the trenches filled and the seeding and fertilizing of the outfield is complete. Footings and pads have been poured for the new dugouts and the seating areas will continue to be poured. Shuler said it may still be three or four weeks before the block for the dugouts can be made and set. In a related matter, board members approved a quote from Sharp Stonework, Inc. for $1,387 for the labor to construct a new sign at the complex. The sign will be similar to the one at the entrance to Moberly Park and will also incorporate the new flag pole that was purchased for that area. Shuler said there is already enough stone to be used on the sign, but there will be some additional cost for the project.
Shuler told the board that the new doors were installed on the Rock Barn prior to the North Central Missouri Fair, held last week. He said all of the wood has been trimmed in metal. He also told the board that he plans to spend some time working on the restrooms at the building this fall or winter.
Park Board President Don Altes named chairmen for committees, which now are as follows: Trenton Family Aquatic Center – chairman Duane Helmandollar, Robert Shields, Sarah Allen; Moberly Park Tennis Court – chairperson Sarah Allen, Gary Schuett, Robert Shields; Finance – chairperson Kari Whitaker, Don Altes, John Dolan; Grounds – chairman Gary Berry, Robert Shields, Mike Burchett. Park assignments were also made for the year and include Eastside Park – Sarah Allen and Gary Schuett; Gladys Grimes Park – Gary Berry, Robert Shields; Moberly Park – John Dolan and Mike Burchett; Van Meter Park – Don Altes, Duane Helmandollar; and Sesquicentennial Park – Kari Whitaker.
Board members briefly discussed tree replacement, with Shuler indicating that he is seeking assistance from the Missouri Department of Conservation to update the existing tree plan for the park system. The operation of the aquatic center was also discussed, with Shuler indicating that things are going fine, although overall attendance and revenue is down compared to last year. He said swimming lessons were very successful, especially for water babies and the preschool classes. The pool will close on Aug. 18, he said.
Board members heard a request from Garet Halbert, youth pastor at Tenth Street Baptist Church, who was representing a group of area youth pastors who wish to hold a “Biblical Strongman” competition at the grandstand area on Saturday. Because the fairgrounds are still under the control of the North Central Missouri Fair Board through the weekend, Altes said he would contact Fair Board President Rick Hull to be sure it is okay. Halbert was directed to go to city hall today to fill out the appropriate paperwork.
The board held a discussion about the fencing replacement project at the upper Moberly ballfield. Shuler said that the fencing wholesaler used for the past several years has gone out of business and the remaining ones that he is aware of only sell to contractors, meaning the park department will have to purchase the fencing at retail price.
Prior to adjournment, the board held a discussion concerning the beer sales allowed at the grandstand during the fair. Gary Berry said that as a park board member he is a “little disgusted” about the alcohol sales in the grandstand and indicated he wants the public to be aware that it was not a park board decision, but a city council decision to allow the sales. He said as a taxpayer, he also believes the council should ask the citizens what they want if there are going to be changes. He noted that one of his concerns is that allowing the sales at the fair will “open the door for other events.” Berry went on to say later that if he had known the fair board was going to seek permission for alcohol sales, he would not have voted to let them use the fairgrounds and that he is “particular” about who he votes for on the city council.
Altes said he feels the council “bypassed” the park board and took a vote without the issue even being discussed with the board, which should have been done as a courtesy.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4.