City of Council Grove Recreation
Department
Future Five Year Plan and Proposal
1.
Non
Competitive Programs
A.
Trips: 6 – 10 day trips per year, to see what
B.
The
construction of a limestone walking/biking/running trail. We would look at connecting to the trail on
the old Katy Railroad line through east part of town straight north eventually
finding it’s way to the northeast corner of the Fairgrounds Park. At that point construction of a ˝ to 1 mile
perimeter trail around the park complex and finishing up at the soccer
building, which could serve also as a starting point. Further plans could include connecting the
levy at the north end of town and completing the turn at the east side of the
river walk.
C.
Currently
in the works for 2005 are CPR/first aide classes, a baby sitting course, and
art classes. The Recreation Department is
also looking at future educational programs such as computer courses, art
classes, self-defense classes for young and old, foreign language, music
(musical instruments), dance (adults/seniors), and maybe look at the performing
arts depending on what happens with the “Ritz.”
D.
Educational
programs: I feel there is a need for
more health/sex education classes in this community. I am a certified K-12 Health and Sexual
awareness educator. I created and
designed the Health Curriculum at USD # 487.
Health/Sexual education has always been a controversial topic but this
is something that needs to be addressed.
2.
Competitive
Programs (Youth)
A.
This
spring the Recreation Department will have there own soccer league in Council
Grove, which will keep Council Grove participants at home and will bring other
area communities to Council Grove.
B.
This
summer seven high-schools will be coming to Council Grove over a 2 week period
to play flag football. During that 2
week time span approximately 80 – 120 participants and many other, family, and
friends will visit our community.
C.
This
fall the addition of a competitive youth volleyball league. Each young boy and girl deserves equal
opportunities to compete in as many athletic activities as possible.
D.
In
the near future, City Recreation will begin a fishing tournament each year for
youth.
E.
Each
sport that is in season, in cooperation with local and other area high-school
and college coaches, C.G.R.D will sponsor sports clinics, to improve individual
and team skills.
F.
City
Recreation will be phasing out old uniforms and or equipment, because it does
not meet the current safety standards or is not in usable condition; soccer,
baseball/softball, and various other uniforms and equipment.
3.
Competitive
Programs (Adult/Seniors)
A.
The
addition of coed softball and volleyball this late winter are just two of the
programs offered by the Recreation Department
B.
We
are also looking at adding a weight loss challenge for adults. The increase emphasis on maintaining a healthy
lifestyle in the Council Grove and surrounding communities.
C.
In
the near future, City Recreation will begin a fishing tournament each year for
adults.
D.
This
summer we are also planning adult Olympics.
Area businesses or self organized teams (not affiliated with a specific
business) will compete in various activities over a 2 week period including
bocce ball, volleyball, walking, homerun derby, swimming, obstacle course,
horse shoes, washers, and possible other activities depending on the use of the
“Life-Center Center.”
4.
Park
and Ball Complex Improvements
A.
The
Trembly and Nystrom softball and baseball fields are in desperate need of
improvements made on the backstops.
Plans and quotes have been made to replace the existing backstops.
B.
Netting
(shade cloth) will be hung on and around the Bill Young Sports Complex. The proposed netting will protect the fans
from errant foul balls and block out 60% of the suns rays.
C.
Softball
and youth baseball temporary homerun fences.
Two temporary homerun fences would be placed on the Nystrom and Trembly
fields for the summer Recreation softball/baseball seasons. They would be 200’
and would be very beneficial for our very successful ASA sponsored tournaments
as well as other City Recreation and Cal Ripken tournaments. At the completion of the summer season, the
fences could then be removed for the winter months and save on added cost for
replacement or repair.
D.
The
Recreation Department is also planning on reconstructing the Ben I Smith
baseball field. The field along with
dugouts and press box would be rotated to utilize the new concession stand and
allow fans to view both high-school baseball and softball games. Currently the City’s Recreation Department’s
south concession facility does not meet state health codes for serving of
cooked or prepared food. We currently
have to employee twice as many employees to run both facilities this change
improve and alleviate many concerns for the high-school, City Recreation and
Babe Ruth.
5.
Grants
A.
After
attending the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association yearly state conference
in Manhattan, the City of Council Grove Recreation Department is eligible for
various grants from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, they include;
Land and Water Conservation fund (Ben I Smith improvements), National
Recreational Trails Fund (limestone walking, running, and biking trail), and
the Local Government Outdoor Recreation Grant Program (other improvements to
our facilities)
My goal as the
City of
Justin M.
Carlson
City of Council
Grove
Recreation
Director