The Hastings Parks and Recreation Commission met Feb. 15, with new members and a new chair.

Wendy Loomis, Ceil Strauss and Dwight Smith led off the meeting by taking their Oath of Office. Following that Bruce Karnick was elected chair of the commission.

The commission reviewed the five-year plan introduced by Parks & Recreation Director Chris Jenkins.

“In the simplest of terms, this planning tool is intended to provide a five-year guide for staff and elected officials as budget planning efforts are undertaken, and to address the recreational needs of Hastings residents.

Hastings has 37 parks and 30 miles of trails that the Parks & Recreation Department oversees, along with the Hastings Civic Arena, the Hastings Family Aquatic Center and the Veterans Park Athletic Complex.

“All of these facilities are critical components of the Hastings community, and each enhance the livability and quality of life in Hastings,” the plan states. “It is vitally important to invest in all of these facilities to ensure they are ‘keeping up with the times’ and remain in good working order.”

There is $2.6 million in upgrades planned at various parks between 2024-2028, as well as $2 million to complete trail reconstruction projects throughout the city trail system.

Commission member Scott Zuzek asked if the plan includes charging fees for youth athletics.

“That was not something that was included by the 2023 fee schedule,” said Jenkins.

“I think that’s something we should look into,” said Zuzek, as other communities do charge. “We’re charging adult sports. We should start to charge youth sports also, a nominal fee.”

Karnick said it should be looked at, especially since the department is looking to expand Veterans Park and make it the central park for organized activities.

“I think we need to explore the fees,” he said.

He suggested discussing it further at a future workshop meeting.

Smith asked, “Is there some support for low-income families so they wouldn’t be cut out of participating in activities?”

Jenkins responded, “I can’t really speak to that because the city isn’t charging the participation fee for the association. The HYAA (Hastings Youth Athletic Association), they’re the ones that collect the registration fees for softball and baseball. All of the associations do have scholarship availability for low-income families.”

Jenkins said 2023 is a busy year for the department. A trail will be rebuilt from Hwy 55 from the South Frontage Road east to Spring Street through roadside park.

“That whole section of trail is scheduled to be reconstructed this year,” he said.

Three tennis courts will be rebuilt and three more will be modified into eight pickleball courts.

“Those courts are junk and need to be done,” said Jenkins.

It was brought up that there is still a land ownership question with the state over part of Roadside Park, but Jenkins said the city will continue to keep up the park.

“We’ve done a lot of work in Roadside Park and the tennis court since 1938, and we’re going to continue to do that,” he said.

There also will be upgrades to baseball and softball fields, including dugout and infield renovations that Jenkins termed as a “huge upgrade.”