Salina parks board hears from interim director Brett Lamer; Matson Field dugout plan reworked

Brett Lamer introduced himself as interim director of Salina Parks and Recreation at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting Wednesday, telling board members the interim period is expected to last about six months.

Lamer said he has been deputy director for four years and has worked for the department for about 14 years, including time as city forester. He said the Lakewood area has been the top issue he has heard about since taking the interim role and that the department will focus on adding maintenance help there so it looks better.

Lamer also said a plan for new dugouts at James J. Matson Field was pulled this week after a member of the public who uses the facility suggested a different design that could cost less. The department is now working on the revised plan, which would use an existing stamped architect drawing, and hopes to finish the dugouts before the spring season, he said.

Staff said contractors moved a fuel tank at the Oakdale parks shop area and are preparing to pour concrete for a storage area there next week before moving on to Indian Rock.

In recreation reports, staff said youth flag football filled in three days and was capped at 12 teams because of a shortage of officials. Youth soccer has 45 teams, more than last fall, including a 14-team girls-only division, and adult slow-pitch softball has 28 teams, according to staff.

The board also approved the minutes of its Sept. 16 meeting. The agenda and packet are available on the city’s meeting portal.