Fundraisers and donations will aid Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association Parks and Recreation Department facilities.
Director Terry Wiley told the committee last week that a talent show at Coronado Community Center recently raised more than $2,800 to improve the stage’s lighting system.
For Woodlands Auditorium, Wiley said the Village Concerts Association will donate $15,000 for acoustical materials. Staff is working to improve the sound system.
Also, an HSV Evening Lions Club baggo tournament raised nearly $2,000 for the club’s 50th anniversary project, Balboa Park.
Also in Wiley’s report:
• All Balboa Park equipment has arrived and staff is working on the site.
• Staff is adding more riprap at Coronado Center’s parking area.
• New metal picnic tables have arrived. The archery range will have a new table, with seven at Grove Park and others at Balboa Park. The department seeks funding to buy more metal tables in the proposed 2023 POA budget.
• The first batch of Hot Springs Village Parks and Recreation Department T-shirts have sold out.
Coronado Fitness Center employees are wearing the T-shirts as a uniform. Sales of extra shirts paid for more than half of the cost of providing staff with the shirts.
• The Waypoint at DeSoto Marina is closed for the season. A vendor will manage Waypoint. The department would still receive some revenue, and POA staff that had been operating Waypoint will be available for other activities.
• The Waypoint vendor bought two pontoon boats and two kayaks. The POA will rent kayaks at other sites.
• Vulcan Sporting Goods of Hot Springs will operate a pickleball pro shop at the DeSoto Family Recreation Area.
• The 2023 Stars and Stripes Festival’s fireworks will be Saturday, July 1.
• More than six miles of trails were resurfaced.
Also, committee chair Deb Fuller welcomed new member Kristy Schneider.
Fuller said two planned events did not come to fruition because of an apparent lack of interest and few advance registrations: Get in the Game and the Yak Run. “What can we do that is more Village-friendly that will generate interest, excitement, and participation?” said Fuller.
Both events were aimed at getting Villagers involved.
Committee members are also working on plans to revamp the miniature golf course.
