By HOLLY GASKILL
The Bluffton Parks Department is in a strong position financially, said Superintendent Brandy Fiechter.
During the park board’s monthly meeting Thursday, Fiechter reported the department’s cash-on-hand is at a “healthy balance.” Fiechter said they will continue to watch the balance and evaluate possible investment options in the fall. This cash-on-hand is separate from the department’s budget.
Additionally, the department received donations of $1,000 from the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission for race events and $1,200 from Bargain Hut for Rocksteady Boxing.
Outside of these financial updates, Fiechter said the department has continued to have great attendance at its events. Despite delays for inclement weather, the department’s Easter egg hunts welcomed 496 children and 34 dogs. The Princess Merida tea party also garnered 76 participants.
Other items were:
• Ground-breaking at Lancaster Park is tentatively scheduled for noon, June 2.
• Bluffton High School requested to use the Washington Park tennis courts, 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on July 31 and then 3-5:30 p.m. weeknights after Aug. 7. This was approved unanimously.
• Outdoor Concepts planted their donated tree, a Starlite crabapple tree, at Veteran’s Park.
• At the request of the Wells County Foundation, the roses at Angel of Hope will be replaced with some shrubbery and perennial flowers to freshen the space.
• The board approved raises for two employees, Laurie Baumgartner and Jonah Baumgartner, for their work anniversaries and certifications.
• The department hopes to begin filling the pool on Monday.
holly@news-banner.com
