Jasper Parks and Recreation Initiatives Yield Impressive Results

Older Americans Director Carie Dick presented the Habig Report and said that the center has been busier than ever. According to Dick, exercise classes are booming, and line dancing will be offered starting June 10 th , with a $10 fee paid at the door. Some additional times may be added during the day for the summer months. There are still a few tickets left for the upcoming Derby dinner trip on June 26 th to see the hilarious comedy “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.” Anyone interested in securing their spot should contact the Habig Center at 812-482-4455 for more information. 

In the Tourism Report, the board heard that school group trips have been very successful, including both returning groups and some new visitors to the Mill, schoolhouse, and the depot. Spirit of Jasper numbers were described as very successful with a fully-booked Eclipse train event and multiple private charter trips. 

 In his Golf Report, Pro Shop Manager Kurt Uebelhor said that numbers have been down this last month, with closures on multiple days due to weather. The Buffalo Trace driving range is open, and an increase in numbers is expected as the weather clears. 

Director Tom Moorman provided the board with an extensive update on the Parks, saying that inspections were recently completed with positive results. Board president Roger Seger made note that he was personally contacted regarding the impressive inspection results, and that they are a compliment to the remarkable work done by the Parks and Rec staff. The new Parklands sign is up, which provides visitors with park information in both English and Spanish. The tree giveaway at the Parklands was a huge success, with all 1200 trees distributed within the event’s first couple of hours. The drainage work at the Parklands has a little more left to complete, and the work that has already been done was described by Moorman as having been very effective and functioning well. Moorman said that construction on the pool is on schedule, and demolition is going smoothly. The north wall has been completed and is poured, and the south side will be poured soon. 

In the Rentable Facilities Report, Recreation director Janessa Wagner said that rental numbers are still growing as more rentable spaces are being completed. Pooch’s Playground Dog park membership has continued to grow as well. Members have mentioned how much they enjoy the new play features that have been added. Dog vaccination requirements are posted on the Parks and Rec website. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring