Delaware Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting – March 18, 2026

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met in the Mingo-Byxbe Room at 500 East Lincoln Avenue in Delaware, Ohio. The agenda listed the meeting date as March 17, 2026, while the date supplied for this summary is March 18, 2026. The board took roll call, excused an absent member, approved the January 20, 2026 motion summary, received updates on the Delaware Area Community Center YMCA and city parks and recreation projects, and adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Roll call was completed, and a motion to excuse the absent board member was made by Mr. Burker, seconded, and approved by roll call vote.
• The board approved the Motion Summary from the January 20, 2026 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting by a motion made by Ms. Himinger, seconded, and approved by roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Delaware Area Community Center YMCA Update

• A YMCA representative reported first-quarter membership of approximately 3,800 units, more than 1,000 above pre-COVID levels, and nearly 90,000 visits this year (transcribed as scams).
• The representative described a new association-wide baby sports program for children ages 3 to 5, with different sports every six weeks, and reported that social nights have been successful.
• The YMCA’s mission, vision, and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility were reviewed.

Parks and Recreation Update

• Staff will begin sending bi-weekly written updates to the board covering parks, urban forestry, golf course, and cemetery operations.
• ParkRun Program: Randall Giebert proposed a free, weekly, timed 5K community run at Mingo Park. Board members expressed support and asked about conflicts with existing programs, parking, and children walking through parking lots. Staff said they would coordinate the schedule so runners finish before soccer and swimming programs start at 9 a.m. No objections were raised, and staff will continue moving the program forward.
• Unity Community Center / Unity Park: Staff reported that initial bids for a splash pad and restroom came in at about $1.3 million, above budget. A re-bid with only the splash pad came in lower, but staff concluded it was not the best use of city funds without a restroom. The new plan is to self-perform much of the work using public utilities and planning staff and to use part of the building for a restroom. Utility work is expected to be staked and placed in the ground within the next two weeks. An open house is scheduled for March 30 at 6 p.m. at the Unity Community Center to present the master plan, building plans, an OSU study of the Southwest community neighborhood, and an OWU study of the Springfield Branch Trail.
• Staff mentioned a possible future STEAM lab at Unity Community Center, potentially funded by combining several grants.
• The community garden at Smith Community Gardens is at capacity, so new gardeners are being directed there because Unity Park has no more room.
• Staff applied for capital funding for a restroom at Mill Run Park planned in next year’s budget, and disc golf course installation at that park will begin soon.
• Staffing: Jessica was promoted from recreation coordinator to recreation superintendent after Bridget left the department; the city is advertising for a recreation coordinator to fill Jessica’s previous role.

Member Comments & Storm Impact Discussion

• Board members asked about storm damage from the prior Friday’s high winds. Staff said parks and urban forestry crews worked late Friday and again Saturday morning clearing downed trees. Damage was mostly limited to trees, with one tree lost near a tennis court and a pool roof issue covered under warranty.
• A member reported power flickering and nearby AEP outages and thanked city crews and line workers for their storm response.

Key Outcomes

• The board approved the January 20, 2026 motion summary and the motion to excuse the absent member.
• No formal opposition was raised to the ParkRun program; staff will continue developing it and coordinate with existing park programs.
• The Unity Community Center open house will be held March 30 at 6 p.m., and utility work for the splash pad and restroom is expected to begin within two weeks.

The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.