CHICKASHA — The municipal Parks and Recreation Department has been rather busy of late.
• The City Council authorized the department to buy an industrial-sized Super Z Kawasaki 35-horsepower FX1000 riding mower that cuts a swath 60 inches wide.
“We have a fleet of eight mowers, and we need to replace one or two each year,” department Director Spencer Winzenried said.
The mower will be purchased from a Chickasha supplier for $12,832, which was $6,500 less than the retail price tag. “We are buying it on a state-government contract through which we receive a very nice discount,” Winzenried said.
• Parks and Recreation also received permission to buy a John Deere Gator for use at the municipal sports complex. The department has three of the utility vehicles, which are “a handy tool that has multiple uses at the complex,” Winzenried said.
The new unit will replace a Gator that was manufactured in 2012, he said. “I am sure I will ‘cannibalize’ the old one for parts and then surplus the rest of it.”
The new vehicle will be acquired from a Chickasha company for $8,693 on a state grounds maintenance equipment and services contract, records reflect.
• Bids for operation of the concession stand at the sports complex were accepted until July 19. Winzenried said he would meet with all of the potential candidates on Aug. 1.
The City of Chickasha is seeking the services of “a person or entity with expertise in concession stand food- and beverage-related services.” The provider will furnish “all necessary labor, supervision, materials, equipment and supplies” and will be paid a percentage of the income.
The winner will receive a one-year contract with up to four additional one-year renewals.
• The swimming pool in Shannon Springs Park will be evaluated to determine whether it needs to be renovated or replaced.
Paddock Enterprises of Oklahoma City will be paid up to $9,500 to examine the pool and provide a report “delineating deficiencies, condition and work needed.”
Inspections will start while the pool is in operation, but pipe testing will be performed after the 2023 swim season “to enable repairs or work needed to be accomplished prior to the 2024 swim season,” Donald Paddock reported.
The pool, concrete decking, wet well, main drain sumps, overflow sumps, cracks, deck equipment, and fencing will be evaluated. “We will do an itemized review, addressing problems, repairs and upkeep needed, along with condition,” Paddock wrote.
The pool was built “back in the early 1980s,” Winzenried related. “It is becoming more time-consuming and expensive to open the pool each year.”