Local businesses challenges others for park improvements

A challenge by a local business to other businesses in the community have raised nearly $3,000 to assist the City of Kimball in making park improvements. Elite Oilfield Services has pledged $5,000 in a 50/50 challenge to other local businesses. The goal is to raise $10,000 to make improvements to both City Park and Gotte Park.

To date contributors include Kimball Family Dentistry, Antelope Energy, Anderson Crude Transportation, 3 Schoe Custom Cutting, Z & S Construction, Frank Parts, Eatmon Well Services, Evertson Operating, Wolf Auto and Duck Tails. An additional $2,000 is needed to meet the $10,000 goal.

City residents have participated in a planning process to upgrade the City's two parks. A major addition will be new play structures in each of the parks, primarily for 2 to 5-year old's, new benches and a frisbee golf course. The horseshoe pits and the sand volleyball courts will be upgraded.

The planning group had a lengthy discussion regarding the wooden post fence at Gotte Park. Should it be replaced or removed? It has been in place for many years to keep vehicles from driving on the grass turf. It was recommended that it be removed.

Beer and Loathing has undertaken improvements to the basketball court at Gotte Park. Heather Entingh is in the process of raising approximately $17,000 to install a new surface on the court. She will be convening volunteers soon to remove some of the fencing around the court. The City is also planning to upgrade the lighting at the court.

While Mayor Prunty has stated "Park improvements are the City's responsibility", these individuals and the community have made the commitment to the parks with their time and fund-raising efforts.

Local businesses are encouraged to support the $5,000 challenge grant with their contributions.