By HOLLY GASKILL
The Bluffton Parks Department has received a $10,000 grant for its summer concerts at Kehoe Park.
However, department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter told the park board Thursday that more funding is still needed. Fiechter reported an additional $5,575 had been donated for the concert series since the board’s last meeting.
The department has also received a $3,000 Robert E. Covault Endowment Fund grant for park maintenance. Furthermore, two scouts are working on service projects for the parks — a gaga ball pit at Jefferson Park and a new pool shed — which should be completed in the coming months.
Additionally, Fiechter told the board it had been encouraging to see people of all ages using Lancaster Park during the solar eclipse on Monday. “There was something for everyone,” she smiled. “It was really good to see.”
She said the crowd was polite, applauding after the eclipse and cleaning up before leaving. Fiechter also expressed her appreciation for local law enforcement, who were stationed at various popular watching areas, including Lancaster Park. According to Fiechter, cars had filled the parking lot, and more people parked at Lancaster Elementary School and walked over.
However, Lancaster Park has been closed again to construct pickleball courts and a new parking lot. Fiechter indicated the work will begin as soon as the rain clears.
Fiechter also notified the board that she would be making some fund transfers to pay for the department’s insurance, which has risen several thousand higher than expected.
The next park board meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on May 9.
holly@news-banner.com
