[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6130666,"mediaKeyId","5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2","parentId",5736771,"title","Legion Tournament planning highlights field upgrades, volunteer stewardship and bird problems at Ronzig Field","audioSeconds",570,"startMs",1553000,"endMs",2123000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2&start=1553&end=2123","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2/thumbnail_1553000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6130666/Washington/Franklin-County/Missouri/Legion-Tournament-planning-highlights-field-upgrades-volunteer-stewardship-and-bird-problems-at-Ronzig-Field","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6130666-e7d21563a6291581483888a8e108e8dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145256&Signature=Cdbyltco2jpTyXa4umIicbpUMGL8C6IhcrmU1omL0QXWQB6E2lBDmXXLo~kG3pw-1h1dMhlzw3Dp4hfPkyuTbJiP5pKsripjnXTQTanUDhgU4eYwU-Iwl2kP7SocBDgiRHDmeUYuczpggTmCTHOyHBI1QGTRB5cswSmmsPARWTwvyzonOIdr118NMY7z9potC5YbG64jfxtuq4B6xVFr~gdcSreM180Wwws2s2gXCBtzQfovSpTNoBhLLhvNupDC5logj7hUY0McWBaeEzkB05tqFMmPc9KFLwCkAhWAWErB6tRhTdAnJOMUBUg6QFkPTXmKfcG~FrLRiEkNg0PuRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Washington","date","2025-06-12T00:00:00Z","article","Commissioner Jeff Packie reported that preparations for the regional Legion Tournament are under way and that the event will align with the county fair, with teams in town the night of Aug. 5 and games Aug. 6–10.

Jeff said the city replaced batting cages and netting, added a new sign at Ronzig Field, borrowed a bucket truck for overhead work, and installed electrical service for a visitors’ dugout and broadcast location. He said sponsorships are increasing and that the Legion expects out-of-state teams and parents to attend.

Why it matters: the tournament is a large recurring event that draws visitors and requires coordinated park maintenance, volunteer effort and some capital improvements.

Jeff said organizers are seeking additional banner and larger sponsorships and working on an opening ceremony that could include a guest speaker. He named Joe Bueller, a coach with ties to Saint Louis University, and Trent Henderson as volunteers assisting with sponsorships and team coordination.

A long-running maintenance problem surfaced: Jeff described volunteer Marvin and Cheryl Holtmeier, who he said cleaned bleachers and picked up trash at Ronzig Field daily for more than 10 years. With the couple’s declining health they have not been able to continue, and staff and volunteers are now facing persistent bird droppings in the rafters. Staff has tried bird repellent and temporary measures; commissioners discussed enclosing or sheeting the underside of the rafters and other mitigation such as larger fans to discourage roosting.

Jeff said enclosing rafters or otherwise closing the underside could reduce the need for daily cleaning but raised cost considerations; no estimate or funding source was discussed. He said the concession stand addition remains planned but was not completed before the spring season; the project depends on fundraising and sponsorships.

Ending: commissioners praised volunteer stewardship and discussed recognition ideas — a bench, tree or small plaque — while staff and volunteers continue to pursue both short-term bird mitigation and longer-term facility improvements ahead of the regional tournament.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Washington Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting 06/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","Organizers described upgrades for the regional Legion Tournament Aug. 6–10 — batting cages, new signage, concession plans — and raised ongoing problems with birds in the rafters at Ronzig Field that volunteer Marvin and Cheryl Holtmeier had helped manage for years.","taxTitle","Washington, Franklin County, Missouri","taxId",58415,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6130671,"Washington prepares for American in Bloom judges with site tours, mulching and cleanup plans",669,733000,1402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2&start=733&end=1402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2/thumbnail_733000.jpg","/articles/6130671/Washington/Franklin-County/Missouri/Washington-prepares-for-American-in-Bloom-judges-with-site-tours-mulching-and-cleanup-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6130671-26169b50d64f3446af2e9b90cc1c2ad7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145256&Signature=UGx3Xgd0Zw14aDGkTs4wPoCyYG4i4WsdJkVaWHq86xG7x-WMeIuKqJPCdF-UQTh7qHqiQLlv3bgRaWJO8anJtODxFh9WxvLu43-1kprrHKaKbZfjtT3Tls2ZoJT9m5H1bfvvAPi7hY30Phmld5i6ZUC-M86TvqG0mwCsjLCEn~vK2u3qeOtaIK6HIdVP8B9CgTbGCR4PJ6GgaxlO5UHoeDfTCY3fjzcmMbrefgKSn47RxNGMgsYLkTmuQSg7m45uE9pXopjbj51-kbU~4FS3BrGh5jvnscJUMMuBqt02tSuxYeIsa8HBC949XNAWNt9wYuWC09pwlZhHhl0wZNeC9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chad (parks staff member) and members of the commission described preparations for American in Bloom judging scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, June 16–17.

Commissioners said two advisers will arrive and two additional staff will follow them, plus a team of eight people assisting over the two days. Staff described a planned driving tour of the city, a downtown walking tour augmented by golf carts to save time, scheduled documentation time for the judges, and an evening dinner for questions.

Why it matters: American in Bloom judging raises local visibility of parks and streetscape work and concentrates volunteer and staff effort in the days before the visit.

Chad said the itinerary will favor sites the commission wants highlighted and that staff will work with the Washington Improvement Board to coordinate stops. He said judges need two to three hours each afternoon to complete documentation.

Volunteer and Urban Forestry work was described in detail. Commissioner Gavin Willie said the Urban Forestry Council mulched young trees at Optimist Park, focused on Riverfront Park for trimming and weeding, and ran a “Weed Wednesday” session prior to the judges’ visit. Gavin said several volunteers will accompany the judges and some advisers are visiting Washington for the first time.

Staff also confirmed a community cleanup day will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the old downtown post office; organizers said the plan includes painting and spraying as well as mulching work and that a rain plan will be finalized with Tyler (staff). The commission did not provide an attendance estimate for the cleanup.

Ending: commissioners said they will host judges over two busy days and give judges time to complete documentation; they expect the visit to help highlight recent park improvements.","City staff and volunteer groups detailed a two-day itinerary, targeted park work, and a community cleanup ahead of American in Bloom judging scheduled for June 16–17.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6130676,"Washington parks director reports progress on restroom, stage and master plan; splash pad closed for pump repair",312,648000,960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2&start=648&end=960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5736771-dfe0ee39b812036eac40f5e7ad9829f2/thumbnail_648000.jpg","/articles/6130676/Washington/Franklin-County/Missouri/Washington-parks-director-reports-progress-on-restroom-stage-and-master-plan-splash-pad-closed-for-pump-repair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6130676-1ce8ab284ad2ff4478a865c091ac3028/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145256&Signature=kK7Vhc1N-C2WayPw-1Vzh6cVSjWf5bsCv5yRwLMGm4YF1MBz4KXVNvGQQ-3s~dRLL2ivU89s0UjrN1hRYXeUpNXahBRBY4x59SmCqr5v9eoGJJcLupW2IIZbeslWmSwPBHj3vk6dRTE-SGFd2dbcOswcB5YRJ1bkZ2NKbdm1tlQSKGQ2x72T3as~E1EOc42XalWkF9Whvz5fPScB4-uT0abqW7iy5OLOERWNBCZiaSj7SNMmHwXibt7XPyVy7f~hdvez8O4cEoiwz3DnXGB~s-sfE84r0cmpS8A30-4gAHs2pJFVUGykk9OgnpUSaBSmpkTQ4Lvzjg~gqzqC7-sExA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chad (parks staff member) told the City of Washington Park and Recreation Commission on June 11 that roofing and finishing work is under way on a park restroom and the stage contractor is completing remaining checklist items.

The report said shingles were chosen this week, a roof should be installed weather permitting, and the contractor is finishing “a couple of things” on the new stage after a ribbon-cutting event. The commission was told the master plan consultant expects to return a final draft by June 30 for council review at a July meeting.

Why it matters: the projects affect park access and programming ahead of American in Bloom judging later this month and summer events at city parks.

Chad said the restroom roof installation is scheduled for this week, weather permitting, and that the contractor is working through a punch list on the stage following the ribbon cutting. He also reported the master plan is “on track” and expected back by June 30; staff said the commission could take action to accept it at the first or second July meeting.

On maintenance, Chad reported a pump failure at the splash pad; the needed part has been ordered and staff expect repair within the week. He said the splash pad remains closed until the part arrives and is installed.

Commissioner Gavin Willie moved to approve the minutes from the May 14 meeting; Commissioner John Freytag seconded, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote recorded in the meeting.

The commission also received a schedule note: a capital improvement sales tax meeting will take place this Friday and will concentrate on capital projects. Staff did not provide a funding total or a detailed budget breakdown at the meeting.

Ending: commissioners set a tentative July meeting date of July 16 to accommodate member schedules and to allow time for the master plan to be finalized for review.","At the June 11 Park and Recreation Commission meeting, staff reported roofing and finishing work on a restroom, contractor checklist items for the new stage, a master plan expected June 30, and a closed splash pad awaiting a replacement pump.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Legion Tournament planning highlights field upgrades, volunteer stewardship and bird problems at Ronzig Field

Washington prepares for American in Bloom judges with site tours, mulching and cleanup plans

Washington parks director reports progress on restroom, stage and master plan; splash pad closed for pump repair