Member Spotlight- MRC Wall Park Sports Complex
Most of you have been out to the Wall Park Sports Complex but have you been there lately? The McPherson Recreation Commission has just completed a 1.3-million-dollar upgrade. MRC board chair Alan Burghart thanked Vogts Construction and BG Consultants for the renovations and the MRC crew for keeping the complex looking great. He explained that concrete and river rock was removed, and a new drainage system was installed through the center of the complex, ultimately making the fields more playable. New score booths were installed at each field and the old concession area was converted into an umpire room. The old playground was made into the new concession area with new bathrooms and will also be utilized as a severe weather shelter. A few misting stations were installed in several places to cool off in the heat of the summer ball season.
Another fantastic part of the renovation is the new covered playground area. The new playground was dedicated in memory of Tony Fiedler, a former City Commissioner and Chairman of the MRC and whose opinions and vision helped shape what the complex has become. During the dedication and Chamber ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Tom Brown commented that “this is a great thing and honors a great man.” Tony Fiedler’s family was in attendance and spoke of how Tony loved kids and sports and said his grandkids will enjoy playing at Papa Tony’s playground. Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Burch added her thoughts about Tony Fiedler, saying that he was a true civic minded individual and whenever he set his mind on something, he gave it his all. See photos of the ribbon cutting and playground on the Chamber Facebook page. Better yet, go on out to Wall Park, 500 S. Maxwell and enjoy the new amenities at this amazing sports complex.
Here is what the McPherson Recreation Commission program directors had to say about the 2019 MRC Summer Family Activities:
• Tyler Glidden- Sr. Program Director told about all the great youth sports camps and clinics available from the McPherson Recreation Commission. Be sure to sign the kids up by May 1st for summer golf camps, a volleyball clinic, tennis, football, soccer, even jazz dance clinics. Find out more at www.ymca-mrc.org and like them on Facebook to see all the latest news.
• Ameilea Alexander- Childcare Director was excited about their great variety of youth art and leisure activities. Art classes, bug bonanza, cake challenge, healthy alternative cooking, knitting, science, painting, mixed media and more is available through the MRC. Pick up their summer guide at 220 N. Walnut or call 620-241-0363 for questions.
• T.J. Jones- Sports Director encouraged everyone to gather their adult summer softball teams or register the youngsters for t-ball teams all the way up to fast pitch teams.
• Kyle Roberts- Aquatics Director is ready for the McPherson Water Park’s opening date, May 26th. Several free swims are planned for the first week. May 28th from 6-8 p.m. is a free swim for ages 6th-8th grade and on May 30th, grades 9th-12th get to swim free from 6-8 p.m. MRC’s Free Annual Swim for everyone is July 24th from 8-10 p.m. so mark your calendar but don’t wait, enjoy the water park all summer long. Find information about hours, prices and special events at www.mcphersonwaterpark.com