Jim Stepp sent this spring 2018 photograph to thecity1.com.
City of Morrison Parks and Rec Director Katie Selburg submitted this report.
Parks Donations – This summer, we have had two trees donated and planted in Kelly Park. Two individuals are interested in donating memorial benches, one in Kelly Park and one in French Creek Park. As I worked through these requests, I developed the framework for a formal bench/tree donation program. Hopefully, the full details will be presented to you at our September meeting.
Youth Sports – We made the difficult decision to cancel all summer youth programming, due to health concerns with COVID-19. However, eventually made our fields available to individuals and teams wanting playing time on the ball fields. We left t-ball tees out at many of the fields at the Sports Complex available for general use. We opened a “safe” practice schedule to all local teams for use of the Sports Complex fields during the week, at no cost to any teams. We worked with teams to schedule single-game events with other local teams, and set guidelines for them to be conducted as safely as possible. New signs were posted at the Sports Complex to encourage social distancing and wearing a mask, when larger groups are present.
Waterworks Field – This year we partnered with the Morrison Fury organization for them to have full use of the Waterworks Field. They have done a wonderful job, using volunteer efforts to improve upon the area and keep it well maintained throughout the summer. When their teams are not practicing, the field at Waterworks Park is always available for public use. Our hope is that the field will see even more use next summer.
Community Garden – We have had wonderful participation in the Community Garden Program this year! Almost all plots were accounted for, and many more gardeners than last year have kept up with the tall weeds. If you have not been by recently, please take a look at the garden in French Creek Park. Thanks to Mick Welding and the Morrison Community Hospital Foundation for the partnership in making this program run smoothly each year.
Next Meeting – On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., we will meet at Morrison Sports Complex,15201 Bishop Road, Morrison, IL. The American Legion Pavilion, nearest to the parking lot, is large enough for us to comfortably social distance.