Even with a slight dip in the temperature, signs that the end of the school year is at hand and that a constant barrage of warm or rainy weather is set to begin can be found by following staff of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. For the last several days, staff has been scattered across various venues making sure that facilities are ready for the onslaught of people.

 

Perhaps the most notable work and upkeep taking place is at the Benedum Civic Center. For the past several days, staff has been busy doing maintenance and upkeep to the grounds that will soon see heavy activity once the summer pool season begins in less than a month.

 

“I think once we fill the pool is the biggest sign that summer is almost here,” said Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton. “We have staff that is picking up the backwash pump and that means that probably today or in the next couple of days you will us begin filling the pool.”

 

Several other maintenance projects have taken place as well. Along with regular grass cutting and upkeep, a bucket truck was brought in recently to address several areas. On Tuesday, the truck was inside the sprayground area of the pool.

 

“We painted the top of the sprayground equipment as I believe it’s about seven years old,” said Burton. “We were hoping to get to that sooner, but we were waiting on the fence project to be completed in order to successfully get the bucket into the area where we needed it for painting.”

 

Recently, the fence project in question was completed. The city hired a contractor to extend the existing fence near the baby pool all the way out to the sidewalk to provide more area for individuals to relax at the pool.

 

Residents and others traveling past the Civic Center of an evening should also notice another repair. Burton said the flag pole will once again be lit up.

 

“The light that shines on the flag pole has been out and we upgraded the lighting system to an LED system,” said Burton. “It should last longer and it will be more efficient.”

 

The bucket was maneuvering around the Civic Center on Wednesday. Staff was busy trimming trees and clearing and checking the gutters on the building.

 

“Those are standard maintenance issues. With the gutters, it is preventative maintenance,” said Burton. “Hopefully, everything will look as we want it to look as we begin to really see a lot more activity.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows P&R Staff trimming trees around the Benedum Civic Center, while P&R Director Don Burton, left, Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth, middle and Donnie Tate brainstorm on issues relating to the Bridgeport Recreation Complex.