BEDFORD – The Bedford Parks board renewed the grave-digging contract for Beech Grove Cemetery. H&H Grave Service was hired to provide the service. The amount of liability insurance coverage the company must provide was the only change within the newly accepted contract.
Bedford Mayor Sam Craig approached the board regarding road issues at Otis Park and asked the board to start considering some options in addressing those issues.
Park Director Jimmy Jones reported that he continues to meet with Prichett Brothers on getting a timeline for the renovation underway at the Red Brick. Work has not yet begun and has been closed since a fire in January of 2020.
Jones also reported the cleanup of the rock garden near hole 18 on the Otis Park golf course is underway by maintenance personnel. Murray Forest Park crews have downed some dead trees. The fields are ready for the softball season, and league play began this week at the park.
Bedford Parks Department plans to add three more ADA garden areas at the Bedford Garden Park due to an increased interest for easy access to the garden plots.
New guttering was installed at Thornton Park shelter house. This week new plants will be planted in the flower beds around John Lowery Municipal Pool.
The pool has been filled and is ready for opening. Officials are planning to open the pool Memorial Day weekend. There has been a total of 17 trained lifeguards available so far. The parks department is still accepting applications for a lifeguard class that will be held in Mitchell at the end of May. Contact the Bedford Parks Department to sign-up for this course. The lifeguard position’s hourly rate is $9.07.
Gary Dorsett, Recreation Report:
- Last Friday, Spring Trash N’ Treasure was held at Thornton Park. There was a great turnout and plans for another event in the fall.
- The Annual Butch Fish Santa Slugger Softball Tournament was held at Murray Forest Park on May 15. The proceeds will be used for the Santa House event held in December.
- The Bedford Parks Department USA Power Series tournament at Murray Forest Park is this weekend.
- The annual All-Nighter tournament will be held on June 4-6. The registration deadline is Friday, May 21 at 4:00 p.m.
- The Indianapolis Indians games are scheduled for June 17 and June 29. Both games begin at 7:00 p.m. The bus will leave at 4:30 p.m. This is a free trip with tickets provided by Jeff Quyle with Radius of Indiana. To attend contact the Bedford Parks Department.
- Tickets for the annual Father/Daughter Dance are on sale. The last day to purchase tickets is Monday, May 24. The cost is $20 for a father and his daughter and $25 for a father with two or more daughters. The dance will be held on Friday, May 28, at the Otis Park Bandshell from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
- The Youth Summer Running Club is a six-week running program for children in grades K-6th. They will meet every Tuesday and Thursday at the Parkview Track. Grades K-3 will meet from 8:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. and grades 4-6 will meet from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Those attending should wear tennis shoes and comfortable clothing. To register visit the Parks Department. The program is free. The club will begin on June 8. The club will not meet the week of July 6th – July 8th but will resume the following week.
John Bertges – Golf Pro Otis Park
- Golf Pro John Bertges reports it looks like the summer is off to a great start at Otis Golf Course. Bertges says they have sold more range passes this summer than in the last ten years.
- The range will be temporarily closed Thursday afternoons in preparation for mowing. The course will be closed from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
- The 28th Annual Bedford Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing was held on Friday, May 14, and was a success.
- The new golf cart policy has received positive feedback. Users of the course appreciate that guidelines are in place to keep the golf carts away from the greens.
- Summer Junior Golf Camps and Leagues are now open for registration. Registration forms are available in the Golf Shop or you can visit the Facebook page to download an application.
- The Neeson Memorial Tournament is this Saturday. There are a few spots still are available. Contact the Golf Shop for more information.
