By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green’s parks continue to see the effects of people being pent up during COVID.
The Veterans Building is seeing a rash of reservations for gatherings in the new building. And just as Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley had predicted, with people being locked down at home, many of the reservations are for baby showers.
After a year of no programming, kids are once again filling the nature camps at Wintergarden Park.
“The camps have been packed,” said Chris Gajewicz, BG’s natural resources coordinator. “It’s great to see and hear kids running around the park again. That’s music to my ears.”
And swimmers have flooded back to the pool in City Park, after last summer of no swimming. The end of the summer season will be celebrated with Last Splash Week starting Aug. 16, with events such as a cardboard canoe race. Anyone 5 and older can compete in boats constructed of cardboard and duct tape.
“There will be a most spectacular sinking award,” said Ivan Kovacevic, BG Parks and Rec program coordinator
The increased use of Bowling Green’s parks is a testament to the value of outdoor spaces, said park board President Jodi Anderson.
“COVID has taken a lot from us. But one of the things it gave us was a greater appreciation for the parks,” Anderson said. “Take that, COVID.”
Otley reported the results of national park polling that showed 93% of adults having fond childhood memories of park activities.
In other business, Anderson announced that the annual park foundation “Wine and Cheese” fundraiser for the parks has been changed to the “Party for the Park.” The event will be held at the new Veterans Building on Sept. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The event will feature local beer breweries, plus wine. There will be a silent auction, raffles, catered food, and music on the patio.
The proceeds will go toward multiple park projects, Anderson said.
Also at the meeting, Otley reported that the park levy on the ballot this November has been filed with the Wood County Board of Elections. Otley said educational brochures will be created to explain the 2-mill, five-year replacement levy.
In other business, the park board:
- Welcomed new board members Emily Keegan and Tyler Dunn.
- Learned that the high school cross country team helped open a new trail connecting Wintergarden Park with new park property along Wintergarden Road.
- Heard praise for Josh Chatfield, aquatics and fitness manager for Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, for cultivating a good city pool staff, that returns year after year to work at the facility.
- Was reminded that the ribbon cutting at the new Veterans Building in City Park will be Aug. 18 at 4 p.m.
- Learned that water fountains are now open in the parks – the last feature of the parks to be reopened after COVID restrictions.
- Was told the community center will be closed for annual maintenance on Aug. 9-11. Pass holders will have access to the Bowling Green State University recreation center during that period.
- Learned that general nature walks will be scheduled at Wintergarden Park in the fall, as well as sustainability speakers.
