On Thursday, the public was invited to attend a special meeting hosted by the Charles E. Fairman
Community Pool and the Big Rapids Parks and Recreation Board.

The event included an ice cream social prior to the event as well as an open swim time.

“The ice cream social went well,” Board Secretary Trina Poulos said. “We had approximately 50 guests
show up along with the Mayor Fred Guenter, commissioners Jennifer Conchran, Jon Eppley and Amanda Johnson.”

Within the meeting, a motion was passed that would remove spray pain as an option for wording on the Special Event form. This would prohibit the paint from being placed on city pavement altogether.

According to Public Works Director Heather Bowman, the kayak launch slated to be placed at Hemlock Park will be arriving in a few weeks. New planted trees and lights have been approved to be placed downtown, while the light posts for the Library Park are still in delay with shipping.

Bowman additionally announced the city is working closely with the owners of the old train Depot and will be leasing the area around the building for a period of 25 years. This will be including paving of the entrance and parking lot as well as installing public restrooms and a fire pit. The city will be applying for a Spark Grant to help fund these improvements.

Northend Park’s Disc Golf Course will also be upgrading and replacing both courses’ tee signs and
graphics.

It was also announced that grant writer, Suzanne Wiggins, will be leaving the board to accept a position with the City of Midland.

The next meeting for the Parks and Recreation Board will be Sep. 8 at 6 p.m. For more news, subscribe to the Big Rapids Daily News.