The Trenton Park Board met on August 14, 2024, to discuss ongoing and future projects within the city’s parks. Park Superintendent David Shockley provided updates on various initiatives and activities, including plans for new facilities and the conclusion of the summer recreation season.
Future Projects
Superintendent Shockley is currently working on gathering cost estimates for several potential projects. Among these is the construction of an enclosed shelter house at Eastside Park. Additionally, Shockley is exploring the costs associated with relocating the soccer fields to Gladys Grimes Park. These projects are being considered for development over the next couple of years.
Vandalism Incidents
Shockley reported recent incidents of vandalism at several park facilities. The Ebbe Sports Complex and Burleigh Grimes Field bathrooms were targeted, with flush valves removed and stolen. Repairs are expected to be completed this week. Additionally, bathrooms at Lower and Upper Moberly Park were vandalized with paint, but the damage has since been covered over.
Trenton Family Aquatic Center
The Trenton Family Aquatic Center is scheduled to close for the season on August 17. Shockley noted that the yellow slide at the facility had a leak in one of the pipes below the slide platform earlier this year. A temporary fix was made, which held up until a couple of weeks ago. The parts needed for a permanent repair are expected to arrive this week, allowing for repairs before the end of the season.
Shockley also provided an overview of the Aquatic Center’s performance this summer. As of August 12, the facility had sold 62 family passes and 20 single passes. There were 3,847 daily admissions and 14 pool parties. The center employed 16 lifeguards and 14 concession and front desk employees. The front desk generated a gross revenue of $56,069.08, while the concession stand brought in $16,609.65.
Green Hills Recreation Association
The summer season was active for the Green Hills Recreation Association, with games held across multiple fields. A total of 14 games were played on nine nights at Burleigh Grimes Field, 34 games on 24 nights at Griffin Field, and 40 games on 23 nights at Johnson Field. Additional games were played at Upper Moberly Park (20 games on 14 nights), Lower Moberly Park (18 games on eight nights), and Ray Van Meter Park (26 games on 16 nights). In total, 152 games were played throughout the summer season.
Trenton also hosted the Little League District 1 tournament at the start of July, which spanned six days.
Fall Sports Season
The fall sports season is set to begin, with North Central Missouri College’s softball and baseball teams, as well as Trenton High School’s softball team, starting their games this week. In preparation, Burleigh Grimes, Johnson, and Griffin fields have been aerated and placed on a watering cycle.
Park Maintenance
The Park Department has been actively maintaining the fairgrounds and parks, including mowing, spraying, and trimming. Efforts also continue to maintain and trim trees across the parks. Additionally, the department has mowed the area designated for butterflies at Lake Park.
Closed Session and Upcoming Meetings
The Park Board entered a closed session to discuss personnel matters, but no decisions were made. A Finance Committee meeting is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks to address budget items.
