Park Board Gets Updates On Projects

By ERIC X. VICCARO

eviccaro@stegenherald.com

During a special meeting back on Sept. 15, the Ste. Genevieve Parks and Recreation Board agreed to break into committees regarding the Master Plan for Pere Marquette Park.

During the park board meeting on Oct. 27, subcommittees provided progress reports.

Park Board president John Conard discussed having a recorded drone footage from around Marquette Park — with Nick Donze of Donze Park Planning, LLC, narrating what improvements will be made in each area.

It’s about giving potential park donors the best visual descriptions possible.

The fundraising committee features Barbara Basler-Peterson, John Karel, Amie Dobbs and board secretary Samantha Kertz.

This committee is looking to add a few more citizens to join — with the purpose of aiding fundraising efforts.

The aim is to apply for a grant for the Children’s Adventure Playground in December. 

City administrator Happy Welch chimed in stating he would write a letter to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks — which would allow the park board to partner with them for safekeeping of future funds raised. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is a 501(c)3 based in Springfield. Welch will be the treasurer, and Kertz secretary.

The fundraising committee also is brainstorming fundraising ideas including a food truck day, movie nights and possible community dinners. 

This committee was scheduled to meet again on Nov. 10 at the Park House.

Geoff Duvall and Mark Buchheit were not in attendance at the meeting; however, Conard briefed the rest of the members on trail committee activities. 

Conard will help line up having an engineer assist in laying out the new trail system.