PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
REVIEWING REPORT … Sandy Gordon and Kyle Long review the October Recreation Report.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Park Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, including winterizing the park facilities, new baseball league requirements, and updates to the Iron Horse River Trail.
Recreation Director Sandy Gordon, along with members Matt Reid, Brent Saneholtz, and Kyle Young, were in attendance. Reid called the meeting to order in the absence of President Angela Hillard.
The minutes from the previous meeting and the financial statement were approved. Gordon noted that leftover funds remain in the capital improvement line, and a carryover into 2026 is expected.
She also mentioned that several grants must be fully spent before the summer of 2026 to ensure full allocation of the funding.
Lindsey Willis attended the meeting to provide an update on the Girls Softball Financial Report, presenting information on the expenses, revenue, and transaction history for the past year.
“We did go under with our expenses versus our revenue this year,” commented Willis. She also stated that they are currently “phasing out” two commissioners and replacing them shortly.
Seth Miller also addressed the board, sharing the Montpelier Baseball Association’s Financial Report. He explained that the Pony League has successfully merged with the Baseball Association, consolidating all funds into a single account.
“We rolled that balance into what we are now calling the Montpelier Baseball Association. That covers Little League through Pony League, rather than having two separate accounts,” says Miller.
He added that the association conducted regular maintenance and equipment replacements during the season, including new portable pitching mounds. The season finished nearly “break-even,” with 104 children enrolled and two travel teams participating.
Miller expressed appreciation to the Montpelier Eagles for covering the $40 player sign-up fee but noted that registration rates have increased to $50 this year.
Gordon informed both Willis and Miller of new league requirements, emphasizing that any plaques attached to structures, excluding sponsor signs, must receive prior Park Board approval before installation. Additionally, all leagues will be responsible for filing their own tax forms in the future.
Nick Ramos provided updates on park and pool maintenance, noting that winterization is underway and preparations for holiday light displays have begun. A new A.D.A. lift chair has also been ordered for the pool.
Gordon continued with a recreation update, announcing that the Kids Garden received an Honorable Mention for its STEAM garden in the 2025 All-America Selections Design Challenge.
She has also been involved in planning for the upcoming “America 250” celebrations. She received 1776-era heirloom corn to grow in the Kids Garden the following summer.
Gordon also met with Kayla Wyse from the OSU Extension Office to explore volunteer opportunities for Master Gardener participants along the Iron Horse River Trail.
Matt Reid reported limited new developments on the Disc Golf project planned for the Iron Horse River Trail but mentioned that the Montpelier Rotary Club has expressed interest in contributing to the project.
The board discussed the potential to expand the course from nine holes to eighteen, should the project prove successful.
With no further business, the board adjourned at 7:55 p.m.