By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur’s parks are open!
That was the message brought to city council at its Tuesday night meeting by Operations Manager Jeremy Gilbert.
Well, all but one of the parks, that is. The northern section of Kekionga Park, which is often harassed by flooding, was still under water at the time of the announcement.
“It’s been taking a beating the last couple of weeks, what with all the flooding,” Gilbert said.
The high water has also put a pause on the renovation of the ball diamond at Kekionga.
“The contractor got started, then couldn’t finish (due to the water). I think they will be able to resume in the next week or so,” Gilbert added.
The Kekionga diamond, used for both men’s softball and co-ed softball, has been in poor condition for years. The upgrade includes Custom Net Backstops Inc. erecting nets to essentially surround the field. Custom Net Backstops put up nets at the REV Sports Complex.
The nets will have a unique feature in that they can be raised 10 feet in the event of flooding. That was a requirement of the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) since the area is in a flood plain.
A new backstop screen will also go up.
Bleeke Electric of Decatur, which handled the non-field lighting at the REV, will use LED lights to illuminate the Kekionga diamond.
DOG PARK GOING: The city’s new dog park, Pause & Play, opened in January and its usage is likely going to greatly increase with the advent of nice weather.
Gilbert said approximately 52 families/individuals have signed up to use the facility
To register a dog, bring proof of vaccinations and $30 (annual fee) to Riverside Center.