By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green parks and recreation programs continue to be a sanctuary in the midst of COVID-19.
While people are finding refuge on park trails and are getting back to the community center – the parks and recreation department is seeing fewer program participants and fewer volunteers to keep the parks in shape.
Normally at this time of year, BG Natural Resources Coordinator Chris Gajewicz is getting phone calls from school, scouting and university groups wanting to help out at Wintergarden and Simpson Garden parks. But this year, the requests are few and far between.
“We have a very small core of volunteers” at the garden park, he said.
After completely shutting down in the spring due to COVID, the park buildings are back to being rented, the shelter houses are open, the community center is back in business, and some programs are operating.
“Pretty much everything is open in the COVID way,” Director of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Kristin Otley told the board on Tuesday evening.
A new national parks report showed increased use of parks during COVID-19, proving that “parks are an essential service,” Otley said.
The new Veterans Building in City Park has been rented a couple times – with rave reviews, Otley said.
Though programming is slow right now, some additions have been made to the parks.
The healing garden in Simpson Garden Park has a new sculpture on loan from Gail Christofferson.
“She used her COVID time to work on this sculpture,” Otley said. “It’s a really cool addition to the park.”
And 12 Adirondack chairs have been added to the back patio at the new Veterans Building in City Park.
“Those are really, really nice. They are comfortable,” Otley said.
And at Wintergarden Park, 19.4 acres of open space have been added.
“We’re very excited about it,” Gajewicz said.
Plans are underway to spruce up a couple gardens in Simpson Garden Park, including the Japanese peace garden and the children’s garden. Gajewicz said an interactive “cognitive garden” is being considered for children. He explained that rather than a place where children are told to get out of the water fountain – this would be a place where they would be encouraged to get wet and create some dams in the process.
Ivan Kovacevic, recreation coordinator, talked about how much of the recreation programming has shifted over to virtual – for younger and older residents.
“Obviously, this summer looked different programming wise,” he said.
Long-standing events like the art show, talent show and pet show were all held virtually. In-person activities were limited to fewer than 10 participants.
“This situation is allowing us to explore different types of programming,” Kovacevic said.
The community center was modified for COVID, with exercise equipment being distanced.
“It’s growing from week to week,” Kovacevic said of attendance at the center.
Also at the meeting, Gajewicz also spoke of the need for local residents to be careful about the food they leave outside for wildlife.
“Animals don’t need our help,” he said.
The movement of wildlife into neighborhoods means that local residents need to learn “how to live with animals in our community,” Gajewicz said. “The animals aren’t going away.”
In other business:
- The board approved the second quarter fee waivers for park programs. Because of lower participation, the numbers are far fewer than in normal years, Otley said.
- The board approved new fees for use of audio-visual equipment in the new Veterans Building in City Park.
- Otley explained that no other fees will be increased. “Even though we need to raise fees, we just do not feel comfortable doing that,” she said.
- Learned from board president Jodi Anderson that the annual wine and cheese fundraiser will be held virtually this year. “Even though we can’t have the event – clearly the need is there,” she said.
- Otley reported that the old shelters in Carter Park have been taken down. It may be spring until they are replaced, she added.
- Otley said an open house in the Veterans Building is being planned for caterers, so they can get familiar with the facilities.
