Aug. – Oct. 2025 Parks & Rec Advisory Board

Town of Marion Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

90-Day Review Summary (August–October 2025)

Reporting Period: August – October 2025

Meetings Reviewed: August 6 & September 10, 2025

Prepared For: Marion Town Board

Community Engagement & Comprehensive Plan:
Seven community members selected to assist with integrating Parks & Recreation (P&R) priorities into the Town Comprehensive Plan.
Youth Programming Growth:
Baseball: Successful sign-ups, including interest from neighboring communities; Fall Ball drew 61 participants, half returning from spring.
Soccer: Record participation (149 players, highest in two years); volunteer support increased; strong community feedback.
Basketball: Kristen Sloane appointed as official Basketball Coordinator; discussions initiated for off-season practice scheduling and safety disclaimers.
Youth Grant Initiative:
Identified Wayne County Department of Aging & Youth grant opportunity (up to $50K) for broad recreational use. Drafting of a Child Protection Policy required for eligibility. Ongoing collaboration with Town Supervisor and Board for compliance and application strategy.
Facility & Equipment Improvements:
AED installed and signage added for accessibility. Budget allocations discussed for benches, bleachers, storage upgrades, and minor park safety items.

Developed framework for Youth Leadership Principles, establishing eight guiding priorities emphasizing safety, program quality, and volunteer support.
Began conversation on defining program supervision hierarchy and clearer policies for volunteer and staff accountability.
Consideration of a Recreation Director position within the 2026 budget to strengthen program oversight.

Preliminary budget discussions included line-item adjustments for sports programs and facilities.
Cost review for pickleball, first-aid supplies, night park supervisor stipends, and facility rental (church gym).
Identified need for improved tracking of registration payments through Town Hall.

Scheduling Coordination: Communication barriers noted between teams for baseball and field scheduling.
Safety & Liability: Need to formalize disclaimers for informal, off-season practices.
Grant Readiness: Completion and adoption of a Child Protection Policy essential for Youth Grant eligibility.
Community Communication: Continued exploration of an app or digital tool to enhance event and program outreach.
October 2025 Meeting: Cancelled due to scheduling conflicts with community events and PRAB member availability.
Next Meeting: November 12, 2025 — Marion High School Library.