Some changes may be in store for the lower level of Hedges-Boyer Park if grant funding comes through to finance them.
At its meeting Thursday, Tiffin Park Board discussed the changes, which may include moving a ball field to make room for a dog park.
Except for the dog park, the project is estimated to cost $50,000-$60,000 for fencing, regrading and tiling, said Steve Dryfuse, director of Tiffin Park and Recreation Department, but "in pieces" as funds become available.
Dryfuse said he has applied for $25,000 grants from the Mesche-Frost Fund and Tiffin Charitable Foundation to help with funding.
"Pending funding, it would make more efficient use of that portion of the park," he said. "We are looking at relocating Dedrick Field up close to Rodger Young Field and grading the entire area at proper elevations to improve playing conditions for Tiffin Little League Football where Don Mitchell Field will still remain."
Dryfuse said moving the softball fields closer together would make tournament play more convenient, and would leave room for a dog park where Dedrick Field is now.
"We also want to improve parking to accommodate the use of all those areas at the same time, as well as benefit the YMCA during their big events," he said.
To raise money for a future dog park, Program Director Matt Coleman said Edenwood Veterinary Clinic, 4686 S. SR 231, is hosting an open house 1-4 p.m. May 5 to include raffles, chicken dinners from Grandma's Backyard BBQ and dog photos with Taylor Elchert Photography.
Also in his report, Dryfuse said Heidelberg University's softball team has been using the D League field for practices and games. He said D League has adjusted practices to accommodate the
team.
"It's been a challenge, but I'm really happy to see Heidelberg and D League working together," Dryfuse said.
Board members discussed the possibility of coordinating field use in other circumstances.
He said water will be turned on at Hedges-Boyer as soon as the maintenance director is comfortable lines won't freeze.
Seasonal staff is in place for summer programs and day camps, and he is in the process of completing the swimming pool staff.
Active season is under way
Sunday, the annual Earth Day celebration is planned 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the barn, and Relay for Life and a few fundraiser walks are planned in late April and early May.
Youth and adult ball leagues are "full speed ahead," Coleman said. Opening days are May 11-12. Men's softball is organizing and might be a bit smaller than past years. A co-ed league might form in the fall or next spring, he said. Vic Wurm Field might get dugouts through a fundraising effort by the Babe Ruth league.
Dryfuse said a group of disc golf volunteers would like to build a small shelter with grant money they plan to apply for from Lowe's. The board discussed the best location.
He said he applied for a $10,000 grant from Seneca Soil and Water Conservation District to help restore the creek bank through Hedges-Boyer.
Coleman said the city's Arbor Day tree planting is to take place at 2 p.m. April 27 at Josiah Hedges Park. Calvert's seventh- and eighth-graders will be taking part.
The board's next meeting is at 11:30 a.m. May 10 at the park office.
