Parks and recreation director announces resignation

Annual Community Halloween Party scheduled at Salina Fieldhouse

Security cameras installed at city splash pads

City dog parks undergo treatment for troublesome grass

Short course improvements slated for Salina Municipal Golf Course

Tree removal begins at site for Smoky Hill River Renewal Project

Live bee observation box opens at Lakewood Discovery Center

Matson Field scoreboard installed, dugouts slated for spring

Parks and recreation director announces resignation

SALINA, Kan. — Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond recently announced his resignation after four years as director and a decade with the city. Hammond, who accepted a position in another community, will depart in late September. Board members praised Hammond for his oversight of the city's master plan, noting his tenure brought significant upgrades to local dog parks, splash pads and sports facilities, including Bill Burke Park and Pestinger Family Stadium.

Annual Community Halloween Party scheduled at Salina Fieldhouse

SALINA, Kan. — The city's annual Community Halloween Party is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Salina Fieldhouse. In other business, the Parks and Recreation Board officially welcomed a new youth board member, whose name was withheld, and introduced new staff member Blake McNorton, who will manage adult softball and basketball and head the youth baseball program in the spring.

Security cameras installed at city splash pads

SALINA, Kan. — Security cameras have been installed at all three city splash pads, including Jerry Ivey Memorial Park, to deter vandalism and misuse. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond noted that while the park facilities have not faced major issues, both Centennial Park and Hawthorne Park have experienced closures due to patrons showering with soap or using the amenities for unintended purposes.

City dog parks undergo treatment for troublesome grass

SALINA, Kan. — Barkley Park and the Parker Park dog park were temporarily closed for a full week to undergo a chemical treatment aimed at eradicating little barley, a native nuisance grass that produces seed heads harmful to dogs' paws. The treatment, recommended by Kansas State University horticulture experts, required heavy watering and a temporary closure for safety. City staff noted they received mixed feedback from residents regarding the disruption of service but will continue their long-term plan of overseeding the treated areas with Bermuda grass.

Short course improvements slated for Salina Municipal Golf Course

SALINA, Kan. — The city is partnering with First Tee to upgrade the short course at Salina Municipal Golf Course, replacing settling gravel tee boxes with new concrete and specialized turf. Concrete contractors will remove the old gravel and pour new foundations starting Oct. 15, after which a turf contractor will install rotating hitting mats designed to ensure even wear over time. The project is heavily supported by in-kind donations from First Tee's concrete partners.

Tree removal begins at site for Smoky Hill River Renewal Project

SALINA, Kan. — Tree removal is currently underway along the old river channel near downtown as city staff prepare the area for integration with the Smoky Hill River Renewal Project. By clearing trees to improve sightlines, the city envisions transforming the site into a destination spot and rentable event space. Over the next several years, the department plans to add lighting, amenities and improved accessibility to create a scenic public viewing area along the river.

Live bee observation box opens at Lakewood Discovery Center

SALINA, Kan. — A live bee observation box is now active inside the Lakewood Discovery Center. The sealed, indoor exhibit connects to the outdoors via a pipe, allowing bees to freely enter and exit the building while providing visitors a safe, up-close look at the working hive and its newly acquired queen.

Matson Field scoreboard installed, dugouts slated for spring

SALINA, Kan. — A new scoreboard is now fully operational at James Matson Field, marking the completion of the first phase of the stadium's planned upgrades. Staff are currently working to lower steel fabrication costs for an upcoming dugout improvement project, which the department aims to finish by late March or early April of next year.

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