By André Nolan, Board member
The Lakeland Municipal Parks and Recreation/Natural Resources Advisory Board (P&R) met for their regular meeting Tuesday (10.10.17) at City Hall.
There were no new updates on the athletic complex at this time so this item will go back on the agenda for next month.
Zadie E. Kuehl Memorial Park
No reports to SCSO (Shelby County Sheriff’s Office) and no unusual trash or vandalism. There are some trees that will be planted this fall to replace some that were cut down for security or have died.
It was noted that some complaints have surfaced on social media and both the BOC (Board of Commissioners) and Parks and Recreation Board urge those who witness suspicious activity to contact the SCSO.
It was also proposed that the P&R Department and Board reach out and formally thank Jerimiah Vess for the great work he did on the entrance, trash cans and benches.
Windward Slopes Park
The overgrowth in the wetland will be cut back, it was thought that we had to get permission from the Army Corps of Engineers. That is not the case so the clean-up can start shortly.
Plantation Hills Park
A problem with the grass cutting service on the utility easement has been addressed.
In February, it is planned to plant trees to prevent further erosion in the park.
Oak Ridge Park
The Herons Ridge HOA met with Parks Director Kevin Rooney. They intent to build a split rail fence to prevent vehicle access to the park. Someone had taken a truck into the Park and done some damage. They would also like to add lighting and playground facilities. This would be in addition to the planned community garden which was delayed due to cuts made to balance the city budget.
The power to the Pavilion is in the process of being repaired.
Athletics
Youth Basketball registration started September 27. Seventy-five participants currently signed up. It will max out at 180. The total is less that last year but the plan is for a better program. Regular registration runs until October 23, and late registration will run until October 30. The youth program includes a Grizzlies experience which includes seeing a game and participating on court during half time.
Youth football continues. The 7-8 year old Mitey Mites are currently 1-3; 9-10 year-old Peewees Blue are 2-2; and Silver is 1-3. They will start playoffs end of October.
Youth soccer will wrap up at the end of October.
Youth cheer has had great participation. The kids really seems to be having fun which is what all the youth athletics programs are about.
Adult flag will wrap up October 21, and we will have an end of the season picnic at the park that day.
Brenner Brown’s Recycling Campaign
Brenner Brown turned 5 Sept. 11, 2017. He held his birthday party at IH Park and in lieu of gifts, he took donations for a recycling trash can. His family loves to go to the parks, play and enjoy the live music. He also loves to watch the garbage trucks go down our street on trash day. There is a need for a recycling can at I.H. Park. Help us and Lakeland keep it clean and recycled! No donation is too small and all proceeds raise will go to new recycle containers at I.H. Park. His favorite color is green, green means go! In the words of his favorite cartoon character, Rocky from Paw Patrol, ‘Don’t use it, Reuse it!’
Here is a link if you would like to donate: –https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1226034
Halloween Festival
The annual Halloween Festival will be at IH Park Sunday, Oct 22 from 1 pm. to 4 p.m… Sponsored by Trustmark Bank and the Lakeland Lions Club
Currently there are 19 volunteers, 10 of whom are AHS honorary art students coming out to face paint. Local business vendors will serve as trick-or-treat stations. Additionally Trinity Farms, Mike the Balloon Guy, Inflatables and food trucks will be there to round out a great afternoon.
Prizes donated by Incredible Pizza ($80) Children’s Museum of Memphis (family membership) Jumping World (6 passes) Bluff City Escape Room (party of 8) and Shelby Farms Conservancy (Starry Nights tickets).
LAMP Concert
The last concert of the year is Saturday, October 28, 7-10 p.m. at IH Park, featuring the Bluff City Bandits. Plans are already underway for next year’s concert series.
Lakeland Senior Center.
The Happy Fall Y’all Luncheon will be held on October, 27th featuring the Steppin’ Out Dancers.
A new sewing machine was donated to the center this month. We plan to add activities to feature this great addition over the next few months.
Lunch and Learn will be presented Oct 18.
Quilting Classes will start next month.
