The Trenton Park Board convened on September 3 to discuss potential capital projects aimed at enhancing the community’s recreational facilities.
Proposals for Gladys Grimes Park and Eastside Park
Park Superintendent David Shockley shared that he is in the process of gathering cost estimates for the installation of a soccer field at Gladys Grimes Park and the construction of an enclosed shelter house at Eastside Park. Both projects could potentially qualify for funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The deadline for the grant application is in December.
Park Board President Andy Cox mentioned that in-kind labor could be utilized to meet the matching funds requirement for the grant. He emphasized the need for detailed cost estimates by the next board meeting to determine how much the Park Board is willing to invest in these projects. Shockley also suggested that donations could support the initiatives.
Cox added that the board would gladly accept donations and might consider naming a project after a donor. He encouraged individuals interested in funding additional projects to come forward with their ideas.
Additional Project Ideas and Maintenance Updates
Shockley proposed another potential project: creating a walking trail around Gladys Grimes Park. He noted that such a trail would allow visitors to enjoy the park’s butterfly pollinator area.
During the meeting, Park Board Member John Hamilton inquired about the possibility of Trenton High School painting pickleball courts on its existing tennis courts, given the growing local interest in pickleball. He mentioned that some residents have been traveling to the Kansas City area to play, however, Shockley responded that the high school is unlikely to paint pickleball courts on its tennis courts. Hamilton then suggested that the high school might consider forming a pickleball team.
Cox raised concerns about the condition of the concrete on the tennis courts at Eastside Park, suggesting that it might not be suitable for conversion to pickleball courts. Hamilton also mentioned potential liabilities. Shockley proposed that the current horseshoe court area could be repurposed for pickleball.
Hamilton also expressed interest in exploring improvements to the tennis courts at Moberly Park, given their age. Shockley suggested that the area might instead be better suited for basketball and other activities.
End of Summer Activities and Upcoming Projects
Shockley reported that the Trenton Family Aquatic Center has closed for the summer season. The pool has been drained, and end-of-season cleanup tasks have been completed, including the removal of drain grates around the pool’s edge and main grates at the pool’s bottom. Bazan Painting is scheduled to begin repainting the pool next week, a project expected to take approximately one month.
Tree Replacement and Park Maintenance
Grounds Committee Chairperson Gary Schuett commented that there are not many trees being lost in Trenton’s parks. He expressed his intention to adhere to the tree plan, replacing trees on a one-to-one basis as they die.
Hamilton, who chairs the Facilities Committee, noted that recent rains had been beneficial, and the parks are in good condition. He also mentioned that his class had used the Upper Moberly shelter house for a reunion, with about 40 attendees, and found the facility well-maintained.
Following the public discussion, the Park Board entered a closed session to address personnel matters.
