The Parks and Recreation Commission is got down to planning Jamboreeka for July 4th at Lake Leatherwood City Park. Director Sam Dudley assured commissioners that everything is on track.
Businesses have given prizes for a raffle, tickets will be sold during the event: $5 for a single ticket and $20 for 5 tickets. The drawing will be held either the following Friday or Monday. Dudley said they were reaching out for volunteers to sell the tickets. Commissioners recommended selling tickets in advance of Jamboreeka, and agreed that having the drawing after the event was better than before the fireworks.
At least one new area will be utilized for parking and the American Legion has agreed to volunteer time and help organize parking. One person from the Transit Department and one from the shuttle service will drive people back and forth from the park to parking areas. People can also park and walk in, although Dudley said it would probably be safer for people, once it gets dark, to be driven rather than walking. The 5 p.m. event is scheduled to wrap up around 9:30.
Bands and acts have been arranged by the CAPC, Opera of the Ozarks will sing the National Anthem, and six businesses will have food and concessions available throughout the park. Commissioners discussed having a concession stand for selling water and soda, but there was debate about whether they should have a stand or maybe have someone with a cart or on one of the tractors driving through the park. The Fire and Police departments will both have a presence.
Dudley said there would be a Slip ‘n’ Slide, a dunk tank, and a foam pit. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash or their card as vendors will have Square to take credit and debit payments.
Commissioner Beth Giltner recommended offering benches in some of the parks or places where benches still need to be erected, for dedication in the memory of citizens who have passed away. Dudley said people would have to pay for the plaque to dedicate the benches, but that it could be arranged.
Dudley said that more than 60 fallen trees have been cleaned up in different parks so far following the Memorial weekend storm, but there were still places that need work. In particular, he noted that the Dog Park fence is damaged and warned anyone who uses the park to keep dogs on leash.
Chair Mark Ingram interjected that they should discuss the Dog Park, saying he was grateful to the people who had put it together, but now after some time of being opened, he thought certain changes might make it more accessible. Currently, there are no flat areas to play fetch or for the elderly and people for whom the terrain is difficult to walk their dogs.
It was suggested to use part of the nearby parking lot, as commissioners said Parks only needs a few spots for parking, and the lot is flatter. It was agreed to talk more about this another time.a