Representatives of the Veterans Park Board told the Owen County commissioners April 17 that they have new leadership and need county assistance with maintenance, electrical lighting and playground safety, and they outlined plans for a Doughboy memorial fundraising campaign.

Pam (Veterans Park Board) said the board elected Matthew Fletcher as director and Bill White as assistant director and asked the commissioners to send a county maintenance supervisor to inspect a flag-lighting issue and other site needs. “Our American flag is not illuminated, and we need to get that resolved,” the board representative said.

The board provided a copy of a draft ordinance it wants the commissioners to consider at a later meeting to formalize maintenance and fund oversight. The board said donations currently support routine supplies; more significant repairs or contractor work must be routed to the commissioners for approval because the land is county property.

Park board representatives told commissioners the park fund and memorial-wall account currently contains $4,532.88. The board asked for a site visit to discuss time-sensitive playground maintenance items and requested clearer guidance on the county’s authority and oversight for larger repairs.

Separately, the board and local supporters said Janet Rummel has agreed to act as fiscal agent for the Doughboy memorial project and will accept donations and provide an intern to manage social media for the campaign. Commissioners present pledged $500 each toward the project and encouraged community donations.

Commissioners agreed to arrange a site meeting so staff and park-board members can jointly review maintenance priorities and next steps for the memorial and playground safety work.