By KELLEY SHEISS
for The Post & Mail

     Columbia City Parks Board members gave approval for construction of an open-air pavilion to be erected near the ball fields, playground and splash pad at Morsches Park. 
     Parks Director Mark Green indicated that the park has a need for additional storage, particularly for implements as well as baseball and football equipment. The pavilion would have storage on the backside for sporting equipment and resemble a similar structure currently on the YMCA grounds.  
Green said the cost for building materials would be $11,500 and concrete costs are expected this week. The board voted to proceed with the project and cap the expense at $20,000.
     Green announced that support of the splash pad continues, with Steel Dynamics, Inc. hosting two golf outings for employees this past summer at Eagle Glen with all proceeds benefiting the splash pad.   From opening day of July 5 through Sept. 28, the facility’s water costs totaled $3,640.60, according to Green. Due to the increased water costs, Green said plans are to cut back the hours of operation for next year, with the splash pad opening the week school gets out and running Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m.
     “We have to keep in mind it’s free and we have to stay within our budgeted amount,” said Green.
Park board members inquired about the possibility of installing a donation box or posting information where donations can be sent to support the water park. A 5K race is planned for Dec. 19 during the Wonderland of Lights to raise money for the splash pad water use.
      In other park business, Green announced that the water lines have been blown out at the pool and he is talking with Vortex, the company that installed the splash pad, regarding a renovation of the kiddie pool area. The shallow pool currently leaks constantly, said Green, and they could fill in the area with concrete and install some smaller splash-pad type structures.   Green will obtain costs on the project for consideration.
     The parks department is working with Lori Shipman to develop grants for the Rivergreenway extension.   Green said the proposal, which would be planned in two phases, could be helped with any matching funds.   The cost for the extension of the trail and foot bridge is approximately $180,000.   Matching funds could be received from the community or from the park boards cum fund, which is currently at $39,000 and will increase to a total of $56,000 at the start of 2009.
    The water sealing at Kids Dreamland is finished, improving the appearance of the facility.  Green noted there has been an increase of usage at the playground.  The junior football league has also ended, with Green saying that the season went really well.
     “This is the best year we’ve had,” said Green, complimenting the great volunteers and parks program coordinator Melinda Wheeler.   Green added that a local parent is willing to donate up to $4,000 for JFL equipment so a 2nd and 3rd grade program can be started.   The program would be based more on fundamentals than  league-type play.
    The park is in the process of developing a 2009 informational brochure that will highlight all programs and registration dates.  The brochure will be distributed via The Post and Mail in December and can also be accessed via the park’s website at www.columbiacityparks.us