April 7, 2026 - Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes

Walford Park and Recreation Minutes

Regular Meeting                                                                                                Tuesday April 7, 2026

Meeting called to order at 7:02pm.  Hahn, Butz, Miner, Horak, Perkins present. 

Motion to approve minutes of March 19, 2026 Parks Board meeting by Horak, seconded by Perkins.  Approved unanimously.

Motion to recommend to City Council approval of Jan Marte as concession stand operator for 2026 and authorization to enter into lease agreement by Horak, seconded by Butz.  Approved unanimously.

Regarding youth sports programs:

Review of registration and teams was conducted. The following have sufficient registration numbers to proceed with teams: T-ball, Coach Pitch Boys, Coach Pitch Girls, Little League Girls, Little League Boys.  The following do not have sufficient registrations to proceed with teams: Pony League Boys.  The following are borderline on feasibility based on registration numbers and will require additional conversation with the registrants and league: Pony League Girls.  

Discussion also included jersey vendor arrangements, pre-game diamond preparations, umpire scheduling, and upcoming dates.  The Iowa Valley League coaches' meeting (LL and PL teams) will be held at Fairfax City Hall on April 20.  A Walford coaches' and player parent meeting is planned to follow on April 22 at the Walford diamonds or community center, weather permitting.

Regarding fireworks:

Proposal from Firehouse Pyrotechnics was reviewed.  Motion to approve invoices 2605 and 2606 from Firehouse Pyrotechnics for $1000 fireworks display insurance and $6500 fireworks display by Perkins, seconded by Butz.  Approved unanimously.  NOTE - DATE OF FIREWORKS IS JUNE 13, 2026.

Equipment/Grounds/Maintenance
Review of park status:
Knapp Creek - raise railroad ties to higher level to contain rocks beneath playground equipment

Knapp Creek - the concrete base which anchors the bench is failing

City Park - pet waste station to be placed at the north entrance area

City Park - add rubber matting under swings to mitigate ruts

City Park - blue wooden bench has a board in need of replacement and paint

City Park - swing frame due for paint

Portable restrooms to be placed  at City Park and Ball Diamond Park

Ball Diamond Park - small diamond bleachers have a few loose bench sections

Ball Diamond Park - concession stand window serving boards are peeling and may need paint/repair

Ball Diamond Park - small diamond scoreboard lights to be checked for functionality prior to season 

Citizen Comments

Resident Janet Gann was present to inform the Parks Board of her family's donation of a memorial bench to be placed at the large ball diamond in memory of Ronnie Gann.  The Board acknowledges and expresses thanks and appreciation for the many and longstanding contributions Ron made to Walford Parks and to the town ball programs. 

A suggestion was received to consider a 2nd security light at the ball diamond park near the batting cage to provide better coverage for teams/spectators leaving the park once field lights have been shut off. 

Motion to adjourn by Hahn, seconded by Miner.  Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

 __________________________________ Rachel Hahn, Chairperson

__________________________________ Pat Miner,  Secretary