By HOLLY GASKILL
What began with 40 tickets sponsored for guests to the Wells County Pool has now grown into 1,216 from 14 different groups this summer.
Parks Department Superintendent Brandy Fiechter said businesses, organizations and individuals have continued to contact her department about sponsoring admission far beyond the early summer heatwave that triggered the domino effect.
With this, Fiechter told the park board Thursday that the department’s Facebook page has accrued nearly 1 million impressions on their posts this month, essentially meaning their posts have shown up in nearly 1 million people’s feeds. The pool’s Facebook page has received over 700,000 impressions.
Riding this success, Fiechter asked for the board’s blessing to begin conversations with the city about replacing the pool, which they gave. Fiechter believes the project could be possible through a READI grant.
Upcoming, the Optimist Club has sponsored 58 children’s admission on July 14, 5S Building Co. has sponsored 70 guests on July 15, Pitties Properties and Pitties Dog House sponsored 100 guests on July 16, Mattress and Furniture sponsored 100 guests on July 17, and Wings Etc. sponsored 60 guests on July 22.
Fiechter said the pool has seen 5,972 guests so far, which is up slightly from this time last year. Fiechter also reported that the Eagle Scout shed project is nearly complete.
Also on Thursday, the board approved two additional costs for Lancaster Park. Fiechter said the recent rain has created the need for soil remediation at the pickleball court, quoted at $1,742, and cement stabilization of the parking lot, $47,200.
Fiechter advised she could move things around in the parks budget for the costs, but planned to talk with the city as well. “It needs done either way,” she said.
Additionally, the board approved a $7,750 additional cost for the interurban trail, which Fiechter said should fall under the contingency costs for the project. The trail and pavement at Oak Forest Road created a slight lip, and this project will mill and repave the area for a flush finish.
The parks department has also received $1,250 from the Bargain Hut for Rock Steady Boxing and a $1,750 advertising grant from the Wells County Convention and Visitors Commission for the Parlor City Trot.
Fiechter then highlighted the high attendance of Kehoe Concerts, as the evening concerts have been blessed by good weather. Kids’ activities have been similarly well-attended, with over 300 participants in the foam party, over 170 at animal explorers, and 70 in swim lessons.
Board members Rick McEvoy, John Gerber and Susan Campbell were present Thursday; Christine Zadylak was absent. The board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 8.
holly@news-banner.com
