Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Appointee Will Have Voice In Overseeing Rec Area
A new person apparently will be in the mix among those with a voice in overseeing the Kimball City/County Recreation Area while it’s at a crossroads.
The county commissioners are seeking interested parties to serve on the Kimball City/County Park & Recreation Operating Board as a county appointee to complete Ashley Thurin’s four-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026. Thurin resigned.
The commissioners on May 3 decided not to vote on appointing Klent Schnell to the position in favor of advertising it.
This development comes during talk of a proposed trade of 44 acres in the recreation area, including four ball fields, for three acres and the Windbreak restaurant property at Four Winds Golf Course.
The recreation area’s executive board – which would need to approve the property exchange, not the operating board – recently tabled moving forward on the plan while it awaits needed feedback. The plan reportedly would need to go through the executive board, Nebraska Game and Parks, and the National Park Service for approval.
Another point of discussion is where the ball fields could be relocated in town. Gotte Park and property near the high school have been discussed as possibilities.
As for the 44 acres, potential housing construction there has been discussed.
Meanwhile, the Windbreak could be renovated into a pro shop under a proposed plan.
Specifically, the Park & Recreation Operating Board oversees operations of the recreation area, which includes Four Winds Golf Course, softball and baseball fields, and an archery, trap and shooting range.
Operating Board members include Chairman Henry Heeg, Mayor John Morrison, Pat O’Brien, county Commissioner Rich Flores and Jacklyn Burks. The county and city each have two board appointees.
Executive board members includes the county commissioners, City Council members and County Attorney Dave Wilson.
Who can fill the operating board vacancy? As a county appointee, the next board member must reside in Kimball County but live outside the city limits.
An application for the position can be requested from the county clerk’s office, or by email at [email protected]. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. May 17.
For more details, call 308-235-2241.