Ross Gold Park upgrade likely

Improvements at south Carson City’s Ross Gold Park will await estimates and a check on proper policy to recommend them, but $135,000 to do so may grow later as well.

That was the gist of discussion at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Tuesday at which staff recommended using $135,290 in residential construction tax (RCT) receipts to improve the deteriorating park. Supervisor Lori Bagwell, also a commission member, proposed awaiting action until November or later when policy procedures for such a recommendation and estimates on the work can be obtained. Staff acceded to that after detailing the park problems.

“This picnic shelter is fraught with problems,” said Scott Fahrenbruch, Parks and Recreation Department deputy director, showing a picture. He also said playground equipment needs upgrading, pathways need to be improved and also made Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. Bagwell, after suggesting delay on a commission vote, said more money might be made available later to go with the RCT funding.

The commission also learned who has been nominated for recognition by the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation awards, heard a presentation on the design of the downtown Carson Street makeover project, and learned details of a project that resulted in painting of two backstops and four dugouts on ball diamonds at Governor’s Field.

Patrick McGuire was designated Volunteer of the Year by the foundation, according to Roger Moellendorf, Parks and Recreation Department director. Eric Ingbar was tapped for Volunteer of the Years for work since the 1990s. Capital Beverages was named Business of the Year and River Wranglers was named Organization of the Year. Recipients will be honored in a Mills Park ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Danny Rotter, project manager for the downtown makeover, gave a similar presentation heard earlier by the Regional Transportation Commission and Redevelopment Authority Citizens Committee. He said those two panels, the ones charged with holding public hearings on design for citizen input, will have a joint meeting on Nov. 17 when there will be a presentation of the design at the 90 percent stage. The multimillion project is set in the main for next year.

Jacob Wolz, who is working toward Eagle Scout status, gave his presentation on the Governor’s Field painting project he and more than 40 volunteers did on Aug. 22. It took m roe than seven hours and 18 gallons of paint.