Parks staff report adds outlet to new pavilion, plans concrete pads and power in next budget

Parks staff reported at the June 12 LaSalle County Property Committee meeting that crews installed an exterior outlet on the south side of a new modular pavilion at Catlin to provide temporary power for reservations and that county staff will include permanent power and concrete pads for pavilions in next year's budget.

The presenter (identified in the meeting as Ken) said crews tapped into an existing interior outlet, ran wiring to the exterior and left a temporary extension cord on hand so upcoming reservations can use electricity. He said he has estimates for permanently running electricity to multiple pavilions and expects to include those costs, and concrete pads to meet ADA needs, in the next fiscal-year budget and that some items will likely go out to bid.

Ken described recent storm cleanup, including removal of a large sycamore tree, and said prairies seeded last winter are blooming this year after better germination. He also described recent maintenance on mowers damaged by mice chewing wiring and said he will replace a starter if problems recur.

Committee members asked routine follow-ups about fish stocking, grant-application access problems and when Ken would bring photos; Ken said he would provide photos the following week and will work with the auditor's office to resolve access issues for a grant application.

Ending: staff will bring budget estimates and photos at a future meeting and will include pavilion concrete and electricity in next year's capital requests.