BROOKINGS — The Pioneer Park Bandshell project is advancing, and membership is increasing at the Brookings Activity Center, members of the Brookings Park & Recreation Board heard at Monday night’s meeting.
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BROOKINGS — The Pioneer Park Bandshell project is advancing, and membership is increasing at the Brookings Activity Center, members of the Brookings Park & Recreation Board heard at Monday night’s meeting.
“Everybody knows that (the) Pioneer Park Bandshell is one of (the) hallmarks of our community,” Park, Recreation and Forestry Director Kristin Zimmerman said. “I think a lot of people are engaged … with this project because everybody sees it as a part of our community.”
Engineering drawings were shown to board members, who were told that proposals for bids went out Monday, with a Dec. 1 deadline for their return. Furthermore, Zimmerman said, the repair project is still on track for work next spring, with a completion deadline of two weeks prior to July 4.
It was noted that repairs will include improvements to, among other things, windows, stage-area drainage and ramps, with some electrical and stucco work as well, along with repainting.
According to Park, Recreation and Forestry Assistant Director Director Josh Bauman, the top layer of the bandshell’s stage will have to come off and be redone. One installed, the new layer will include a new epoxy coat so that it holds up better.
It’s been nothing but up, up and away since Senior Services Supervisor Angi Strohfus came on board in May, with membership going gangbusters and activities multiplying.
“We have a lot going on right now — we have new activities every day,” Zimmerman said, adding that Strohfus is "really busting at the seams for programming space.”
Beyond that, she also had glowing words for the center’s first full-time supervisor.
“If you haven’t met Angi, I would encourage you to go over there,” Zimmerman said. “She’s (a) very vibrant person and she likes to be out in the community — you’re not going to be in a bad mood when you encounter Angi. She’s very exuberant.”
Some of the activities that Strohfus has undertaken includes trips, outings and, on Monday nights, dances. Painting and wine events also take place, along with bowling expeditions.
Membership is now in the 140 to 150 range, according to Zimmerman, and is open to people age 55 and up.
Board members also heard updates on a number of initiatives and possibilities, including:
Next steps include discussing a water allotment agreement with L.G. Everist — i.e., how much is allowed, what would the city be willing to spend for it and so on. Zimmerman hopes to have that finalized by the end of the year.
“It’s really important because your first time on the stand … you’re scared. It’s a very serious job. They’re oftentimes kids and we need to give them a practice run. So having that soft opening is key,” Zimmerman said.
The idea of a pool party for season-pass holders was also mentioned. If it becomes a reality, it would be a special after-hours event at the aquatic center as a thank you of sorts for buying an annual pass.
Another Hillcrest-related topic that came up was the possibility of extending the pool’s season. Numbers are still being crunched on this but, basically, it would involve having weekend-only hours at the aquatic center once the school year starts, and doing this until Labor Day weekend. Depending on the calendar year, it would add another two or three weekends to the swimming season.
“I think that would go a long way with the public,” Zimmerman said.
— Contact Mondell Keck at mkeck@brookingsregister.com.