Catherine Getty, member of Barry County Parks & Recreation Board, gave the board’s annual report to the Barry County Commission Tuesday, updating activities in several areas.

In marketing in 2015, the board increased its use of social media to promote its activities and advertised in Michigan Trails magazine and the Gun Lake Business Directory.  Also, the board voted to become a member of  the Michigan Association of Recreation and Parks, “to explore professional training opportunities,” she said.

McKeown Park hosted the "No Child Left Indoors" program with 80 children visiting the park for a day of outdoor fun. Maintenance on the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail included 274.5 hours worked, $373.78 in fuel and related costs, with financial support from the Thornapple Trail and Rick Moore continuing to maintain the trail.

Community outreach continues with board members working with area community officials on their trail extensions, she said. Major projects on the trail in 2015 were installing a culvert on the Decker property and securing an easement to close a gap in the trail in Nashville.

Getty told commissioners while the board sees the benefits of a desired sports complex, the project has been put on the back burner for lack of funds.  

Strategic planning for the board includes working on future plans, preparing for the next five year plan, hiring a part time facilitator and looking for grants. Also, the special projects committee will disperse $5,000 in matching grants promoting recreation in the county in 2016, Getty said.