LACIE SILVA
Editor
Alderwoman Lofty presented a comprehensive report to the Kimball Mayor and Alderman board on recent park improvements and future plans.
The park board had ordered new backstops for the baseball and softball complex, featuring the town seal similar to the basketball court. Alderwoman Lofty also discussed the smaller turnout at the basketball tournament, attributing it to scheduling conflicts and promising to choose a better time next year.
Additionally, the board received a request from Tabby and Virgil Phillips to host a soccer tournament on November 9 to raise funds for their ministry, which is focused on building a futsal facility in India for youth soccer. Futsal is a modified form of soccer played with five players per side on a smaller, typically indoor, field.
Alderwoman Lofty noted that 147 players had signed up for the fall 2024 soccer season, forming 11 teams, including U14 and U19 divisions that would play full-sided games. She mentioned a scrimmage at the Dunlap Soccer Facility which offered new referees hands-on experience. Then also explained that Taylor and Tonya have been working on a Blue Cross grant application for further park developments, including a new playground, pickle ball courts, and fencing.
On behalf of the park board, Alderwoman Lofty, proposed constructing a new restroom and concession stand to replace an outdated building. The plan includes six bathroom stalls split by gender, storage space, and an office for the park director. Alderwoman Lofty emphasized the need for these facilities, especially since soccer is one of the town’s strongest sports and the current restroom situation is inadequate. The new restrooms would serve multiple areas, including the soccer, pickle ball, and basketball courts.
Alderwoman Lofty also connected the restroom proposal with the town’s Healthcare Resiliency Program grant application, which could fund additional park upgrades such as a walking track, fishing areas, benches, and trash cans. Alderman Sisk suggested that the park board finalize the building plans before putting them out for bids, a motion that was seconded by Alderman Matthews. The board agreed to review the plans at their October meeting.
Mayor Pesnell raised concerns about the number of bathrooms, given that soccer games only span four days, but Alderwoman Lofty pointed out that practices occur almost daily, justifying the facilities’ necessity. Additionally, Alderwoman Lofty confirmed that although the bathrooms are primarily intended to serve the soccer field, their strategic location would also allow them to be used by those at the pickle ball and basketball courts. Mayor Pesnell acknowledged the usefulness of the bathrooms but questioned whether fewer facilities could still be functional while meeting the needs of the park.
After discussion, the board unanimously approved moving forward with the restroom project plans.
Lofty concluded her report by highlighting other park improvements, including new LED lights installed at Blevins Pavilion, repairs to street lights around the barn area, and ongoing playground repairs.
