Park & Recreation — Minutes

PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 27, 2026 The meeting was called to order by Joe Boll at 6:30 p.m. Present at roll call: Joe Boll, Rayna O’Brien, Scott Heinberg, Doug Lindstrom, Jill Ringen, Ken Staver, Carly Winslow Absent: none Also present: Kevin Andrews, Wade Berget, Casey Crist – Sons of American Legion, Jaclyn Essandoh -Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning (via Zoom), Jason King – Sons of American Legion, John Sonsalla and Kim Winslow Motion by Winslow, seconded by O’Brien, the meeting notice and agenda were properly posted. Voice vote. Motion carried. Motion by Ringen, seconded by Winslow, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented. Voice vote. Motion carried. Public comment, suggestions, and recommendations of citizens present: None Reports / presentations from Commission Members or Staff: The Pecatonica River Trails Park Campground–Occupancy & Revenue report was included in the agenda packets. Campsite 36 has been repaired and is available for bookings again. Wade is also going to order a new water fountain, to replace the broken one at the campground. Wade Berget presented an update on Parks & Recreation activities. One of the Parks employees has decided not to take the job, so Wade contacted the next approved candidate and offered him the position. Summer Parks employees will begin working June 2nd. New playground equipment has been installed at the campground, and will be available for use later this week, after allowing the concrete footings to cure/set Splashpad construction is nearly complete. They just have a few minor items to finish up and then it will be ready to open Due to some unexpected issues during the Splashpad construction, the opening of the swimming pool will be delayed one week The City Council has approved repaving the parking lot located between City Ball Field and Sieg Field A motion was made by O’Brien, seconded by Ringen, to move up agenda item 7a) Discussion & possible action regarding proposed interpretive signage for Veterans Memorial Park from Sons of the American Legion, before agenda item 6a) Discussion and action regarding Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Voice vote. Motion carried. Under new business or matters to be taken up by the commission: Discussion and action were held regarding a proposed interpretive signage project in Veterans Memorial Park by the Sons of the American Legion. Jason King and Casey Crist attended the meeting on behalf of the Sons of American Legion. They advised they are only in the beginning stages of planning, but the idea for the proposed project would be a self-guided walking tour through Veterans Memorial Park of historical data and points of history relating to each of the conflicts/wars our local veterans have been involved in. This project would be funded by the Sons of American Legion; they are only here gauging interest and looking for permission to install the signs in the City-owned park. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by O’Brien, seconded by Winslow, to give the Sons of American Legion approval to continue their planning and research on this proposed project, and then bring before the Common Council for final approval. Voice Vote. Motion carried. Jason King and Casey Crist left the meeting at 6:50pm. Rayna O’Brien left the meeting at 6:53pm. It was a consensus to resume back to normal agenda order. Under unfinished or deferred business from the previous commission meeting: Discussion and action were held regarding the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Jaclyn Essandoh from Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning attended the meeting via Zoom. Jaclyn and the Commission members went through the draft plan and discussed items that needed to be corrected/updated before the Final Draft is written. Upon completion of the review, a motion was made by Ringen, seconded by Heinberg, to recommend for approval to the Common Council the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan with the changes as discussed. Voice vote. Motion carried. Under new business or matters to be taken up by the commission: Discussion and action were held regarding a request from an individual to sell firewood at the Pecatonica River Trails Park Campground. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Winslow, seconded by Staver, to allow the individual to sell firewood at the campground, with the understanding the City is not held liable for any damages or losses that may be incurred. Voice vote. Motion carried. Discussion and possible action were held regarding the existing storage shed located at the Swimming Pool. After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Heinberg, seconded by Staver, to have the summer staff paint/stain the shed, replace any broken trim boards, and a new door will be installed. Voice vote. Motion carried. Discussion only was held regarding repairs needed at the City Ball Field announcer’s stand. No action was taken. Next meeting date is set for June 24, 2026 at 6:30pm Motion by Ringen, second by Winslow, to adjourn the meeting at 7:30pm. Voice vote. Motion carried. CITY OF DARLINGTON Kim Winslow, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer