Alva Review-Courier -

With the change from governing the Alva Recreation Complex (ARC) to the Alva Parks and Recreation Board, the frequency of meetings was increased to monthly. The special meeting of the board was held Wednesday at the ARC fieldhouse.

Dr. Troy Smith opened the meeting with all board members present. After approving the minutes, board members looked over the financial reports. Shane Hansen asked about a training item for CPRP certification for $314.00. Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nesseralla said that is a certification for parks and recreation directors that she was asked to get.

Gregg Glass questioned a revenue item for cheerleading of $714.00. Nesseralla said that was the ARC’s percentage of concessions sold during a cheerleading camp. Nesseralla also said she is checking into the OG&E bill which seems high. Brandon Sherman made a motion, seconded by Chad Fisher, to approve the financial report, and the motion carried.

Nesseralla said a company that sells sports turf came by to look at the softball and soccer fields. It was estimated the cost for turf and padding will be about $17,000. That does not include installation. Two more turf companies are scheduled to look at the locations. Nesseralla said she talked to someone else who has used turf for sale. She thought it might be suitable for the playground.

The company that replaced the roof of the fieldhouse used insulation that was not the right length. This left gaps and insulation is falling down in the gym area. Nesseralla said she has talked to the roofing company, and they will not be able to get the replacement insulation until October.

The same company replaced the front panel around windows on the fieldhouse, and Nesseralla said insulation is a problem there, too. She said they basically shoved leftover pieces of insulation and trash inside.

Nesseralla is working on getting a firm quote for paving the parking lot with chip and seal.

The bleachers in the gym are about to need repair, Nesseralla said. The bleachers fold up accordion-style against the wall. After 21 years, she said the small wheels on the bleachers are giving out. Replacing the wheels along with the handrails, which are also a problem, would cost approximately $35,000.

Assistant Director Tatum Lehl reported soccer is going really well and flag football has started. She said they had eight teams for the two sports, four from Alva and four from other towns, for a total of 239 kids.

Co-ed softball is ending with a tournament scheduled for this week. Signups are in progress for competitive basketball. Adult co-ed volleyball begins at the end of this month.

Dr. Kay Decker attended the meeting to give an update on the swimming pool. She said the large grant application will be submitted this week. Next they will start working on a TSET grant application for a six-figure amount.

The unveiling of the swimming pool plans is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Decker said there will be a hamburger fry and an opportunity to talk about plans for the pool. The meeting will also be the kickoff for a local fundraising campaign for the pool.

As the meeting came to a close, Sherman asked Nesseralla if the budget has been combined for the ARC and the city parks. She said combining the two departments has been slow; she is taking baby steps.

Hansen asked if the ARC has enough part-time help to take care of the mowing. She said they have one person who has been doing the mowing, but with the dry weather he has been able to keep up. She said the person leasing the area for hay-baling is also keeping it cut.