Columbia City Parks Board members heard progress reports April 28 on several park projects: the new trail and bridge near the high school, finishing work at the skate park, planned dugout upgrades on Fields 5 and 6, and unresolved communication around an existing baseball-field agreement with On Turf.

Park Director Lehi said contractors are progressing on the trail from the high school and that the bridge is scheduled for delivery around May 22; crews may use one or two cranes to set the structure. Lehi said the trail is on schedule for a July finish, pending site conditions and finishing work such as proof-rolling and asphalt placement after the bridge is installed.

The skate park is largely complete but remains an ‘‘attractive nuisance’’ while crews finalize finish grading and install connecting sidewalks, Lehi said. Staff and board members discussed postponing an official grand opening until surrounding landscaping and sidewalks are installed to avoid mud and to allow grass to establish.

Dugouts and baseball-field operations

Lehi told the board maintenance supervisors recommended rebuilding the lower 4–5 feet of dugouts on Fields 5 and 6 with cinder block bases to reduce wood rot and ongoing maintenance. Staff plan to stage that work in the off-season to avoid last-minute repairs prior to play.

On Turf scheduling dispute

Board members and staff discussed recurring communication problems with On Turf, which holds a multi-year agreement to run tournaments at the city’s fields. Lehi reported On Turf reserved dates but in some cases did not use the fields without timely notice to park staff, leaving the city unable to schedule make-up activities. Lehi said staff would invite On Turf representatives back to update the board and clarify deposit and cancellation terms; the board discussed requiring advance notice windows or partial deposits for reserved dates.

Memorial placards and other items

Gary Bird reported research showing inaccuracies on placards at the flagpole memorial; staff said they will not move the existing plaques to Patriotic Park because the names and memorialization were already present at the courthouse memorials. The board also accepted a small commemorative placard that will be mounted at a bridge leading to the area associated with Damoni Grimes.

Small items and equipment

Lehi noted the city received several pop-up canopies from SDI that will be useful for school and concession activities, and that the dugouts and fields were prepped in time for evening games. Staff will continue to monitor the projects and return with any contract items that require board action.

Ending

Staff will invite On Turf representatives to a future meeting, proceed with scheduled work on the trail and skate-park finishing steps, and plan dugout upgrades for a fall start.