Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation District got a new electric powered vehicle that may help save on employees’ backs, wear on turf and a few hundred dollars in gasoline, Superintendent Kris Myers told the board Tuesday as he detailed preparations for the spring and summer activities at the parks.
The Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District purchased this electric-powered 2006 Gem utility vehicle for use at Southview andother parks. It is light-heartedly referred to by city employees asthe “Popemobile” for its similarity to the pontiff’s domed carriage. (EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES) New youth football format discussed Bellefontaine’s youth football program will get an overhaul this year as the county league has disbanded, Joint Parks and Recreation District Superintendent Kris Myers told the board at the Tuesday evening meeting. “We are restructuring youth football like baseball,” Mr. Myers said. “I’m excited about what the program is transitioning to.” Read complete story in Wednesday’s Examiner. WEB EDITION STARTING AT $9.50 FOR 5 WEEKS! |
The 2006 Gem utility vehicle cost the district $5,000 and replaces a regular truck, Mr. Myers said.
“I’ve been looking for something like this for 10 years now, but a vehicle like this costs $18,000 to $19,000 new,” he said. “When I found one for $5,000, it was a dream.”
The vehicle, which only has about 480 miles on its engine and was previously owned by a joint vocational school in the Columbus area, can be charged at a standard 110-volt outlet and can travel up to 30 miles per charge. It moves about 25 mph and, although it is stored at Southview Park, it can be used efficiently for trips between Southview and Ratleff parks, Mr. Myers said.
“It’s lighter than a truck so it doesn’t make a huge impact on the turf and it is lower so it saves on our employees’ backs lifting things in and out of it,” the superintendent said, noting that it will also save some on the department’s overall gas costs.
Read complete story in Wednesday’s Examiner.
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WEB EDITION STARTING AT $9.50 FOR 5 WEEKS!