Trick-or-treaters receive goodies from Benjamin Logan FFA members at the 2022 Ring of Lights. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
It’s October, and for the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District, that means fall sports and activities. And that was the main focus of the report from Kris Myers, parks superintendent, to the district board at their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, Oct. 3.
One focus was on the annual Ring of Lights, a community trick or treat alternative for children pre-kindergarten through second grade on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Blue Jacket Park. Families are asked to park at the high school, then line up at the walking path there at 7:30 p.m.
Businesses and organizations that wish to participate can contact the parks and rec office at (937) 592-3475 for more information and to sign up.
“It’s a great opportunity to interact with kids and the community in a safe format,” Myers said.
As for sports, youth football and soccer will be coming to end over the next couple of weeks, making room for basketball, wrestling and the adaptive bowling program for children with special needs. Registration is open now for these winter activities at bellefontaineoh.myrec.com.
Myers also updated the board regarding Roundup spraying at Myeerah Nature Preserve. He later addressed some concerns about using the herbicide.
“We’re spraying for invasive species only in areas we ask the public not to be,” he said. “We also follow all State of Ohio laws on herbicide application. This is about making the habitat more friendly for plants and animals.”
The spraying is overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tri-Moraine Audubon Society of Ohio. They’re specifically targeting two species—autumn olive and bush honeysuckle, which choke out native species.
“If we kill those, other plants can thrive in their place,” Myers concluded.
Another project they’re working on at Myeerah involves deciding the best avenue to secure and protect the log cabin there. According to Myers, they’re working out a plan of action with the Logan County Land Trust. Once that’s in place, they’ll know if there are grant dollars available or if they need to raise a certain amount of money.
With regard to Hoffman Pool, Myers presented the board with the annual five-year report. Though they, as usual, didn’t make any money, the $91,000 the season brought in helped alleviate some of the approximately $150,000 they spent.
“It’s a service to the community and subsidized by tax dollars,” Myers said. “This year’s results were right in line with what we’ve seen the last five years and right where we expect things to be.”
Myers’ final topic of note was to let the board know Bellefontaine High School will host the Central Buckeye Cross Country Conference on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Southview Park. Bellefontaine is one of 12 schools in this conference, and the parks department is pleased to help support the school and young athletes at the annual event.
The next Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District board of trustees meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.