Program Specialist Batson Begins Employment

The Sedalia Park Board was officially introduced to Sedalia Parks & Rec’s new program specialist at the board’s May 8 meeting.

Lindsey Batson comes highly recommended, according to Sedalia Parks & Rec Director Amy Epple.

Batson graduated in December from Mizzou with a Bachelor’s Degree and began her new job in Sedalia May 5.

Sedalia Parks & Rec will be obtaining a van from the Lenexa Water Department to help promote the parks. The van will receive a wrap and will be used at various functions within the parks system. The cost is of the van is around $8500.

The idea for the van came from Marketing and Special Events Manager Savannah Lynde. The van will be a great opportunity for community engagement, Epple noted.

An earlier request to allow the Missouri Pro Volleyball Club to rent facilities at the Heckart Community Center was approved by the board, dependent on space availability.

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An update on Liberty Park Stadium’s remodeling project was provided to the park board.

The fence was to be completed by this past Monday night. And the parking lot has yet to be finished. The Class 2, District 13 baseball tournament was scheduled for this week, starting May 15 at 4 p.m., involving Green Ridge/La Monte, Smithton, Sacred Heart, Osceola, Lincoln and Tipton.

Amanda Blackburn with Sacred Heart is hosting the tournament.

American Legion will begin their season at Liberty Stadium May 24.

The first baseball game was at Liberty Stadium was played 87 years ago on May 8, Epple noted.

The playground area is being completed at Katy Park, it was noted.

Two bids were received for a project involving turning the north end of the tennis courts into three pickleball courts at Liberty Park, according to project Manager Matt Harris. He noted that he would like to secure one more bid before making a decision. The project is expected to cost around $51,000.

It was also noted during the meeting that "Anastasia" a design student from Cole Camp R-1 High School and State Fair Community College, designed and installed a brand new elevator wrap at the Heckart Community Center.

"It's a win-win," Epple commented.

Budget-wise, Sedalia Parks & Rec ends the 2024-205 fiscal year $849,417.01. However, Epple stressed, only $215,260.70 will be placed in reserves. Once the Liberty Park Stadium project is totally complete, $1,167,087.57 is due. Half of that, or $633,543.79 will be reimbursed from a grant.

Liberty Pool will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. According to Sedalia Parks & Rec, the pool will be open on Sundays through Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

And Sedalia Parks & Rec's annual Picnic In the Park is on for Friday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m. There will be free hot dogs, chips and drinks provided for the first 1,000 people. There will also be a live performance by Full Moon Band.

Secretary Megan Simon presided over the 27-minute meeting in the absence of Board President Jerry Case. Also absent was Board Vice President Roy Poynter.

Sedalia Park Board meets again June 12. The public is invited to attend.