By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Park Board met on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, to hear a fundraiser pitch for the Montpelier Cross Country program and to receive updates on the upcoming America 250th anniversary celebration events.
In attendance were Board President Angela Hillard, Brent Saneholtz, Matthew Reid, Kyle Long, and Angel Fritsch. Recreation Director Sandy Gordon and Head of Maintenance Nick Ramos were present as well.
DJ Apple presented a proposal for a slow pitch softball tournament to be held as a fundraiser event for the Montpelier Cross Country program. The proposed event would take place Saturday, July 18, 2026 during the Bean Days festivities.
The Montpelier Municipal Park would feature a co-ed slow pitch tournament with both competitive and recreational divisions. Apple is aiming for 10 to 12 teams total, with a maximum of six teams in each division.
Registration would cost $200 per team, amounting to $20 per player, but the overall price could be subject to change. Participation would be limited to those 18 years and older who have graduated high school. “It’s just a way to get people, some teams out, and play some softball,” Apple said.
The board brought up the necessity of liability insurance waivers. “Because it is a school-run function you’re doing as a fundraiser, not a park function, then we have to have (school) waivers,” Gordon stated. Pending proper liability waivers, the park board approved a motion in favor of the event.
Brian Cooley and Joe Salazar gave an updated report on the Montpelier Girls Softball League. Their discussion focused on upcoming use of park facilities and coordination. 119 girls total are signed up for the 2026 season.
Currently, the Montpelier Girls Softball League numbers per division are as follows:
-8U = 37 girls
-10U = 27 girls
-12U = 27 girls
-14U = 28 girls
Ramos then provided a park and pool maintenance update, outlining that winter maintenance has been completed at the pool. Work included exercising valves, emptying gutters, ordering chemicals and sensors, and arranging service for the ChemTrol 250 system. Ramos also reported 15 lifeguard applications so far, including seven new applicants and eight returning guards.
Recreation Director Gordon provided February highlights as the park prepares for the spring and summer seasons. She reported that applications are beginning to arrive for summer recreation positions, with 17 applicants currently received for eight available positions.
Gordon has continued to work on the applications for the eventual replacement of the municipal pool, noting that a revised proposal has been prepared and submitted to state and federal offices.
Several updates related to Montpelier’s participation in the national America 250 celebration were also discussed.
Planned activities include a presentation by Fort Meigs on the “Life of an 1812 Soldier,” which is scheduled for March 26, 2026, at the Montpelier Library.
As part of the celebration, the community will also open the time capsule located at Town Hall from 1976. A replacement capsule from 2026 containing photos and signatures from the community will be buried. The replacement monument for the capsule will be donated by Fackler Monument.
Many of the America 250 activities will coincide with Montpelier’s Bean Days celebration scheduled for July 17 and July 18, 2026. Planned events will include historical food tastings, trivia contests, children’s crafts, and a story walk along the Iron Horse River Trail.
An ice cream social and community photo are also being planned as part of the statewide Ohio Homecoming and Picnic Event. The ice cream will be provided by Kommon Kravings.
Gordon estimates around 80 other communities across the state are holding similar events throughout the month of July.
The social will include remarks from Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski, a color guard, and a community drone photo provided by the police department.
The memorial tree planting project along the Iron Horse River Trail is temporarily on hold as there are very few tree inventories currently available. Gordon attributed this to being between seasons.
Sarah’s Friends, a victims’ assistance organization in Bryan, has approached the park to plant a Victims’ Rights Memorial Tree in Montpelier. The board approved a motion to plant a red sunset maple tree along the Iron Horse River Trail, along with a provided plaque.
Board member Fritsch presented a landscaping project proposed by the Montpelier Civic League. This would include a replacement sign and entrance corner near Platt Street and Brown Road. The project would include a new sign, landscaping, and community swings.
The timeline is set for a tear-out of the old sign this spring. As most of the Civic League’s funds come from their popular donut sale during the Williams County Fair, the project is set to resume in the late fall.
The park board approved the project and all presumed costs and labor will be covered by the Civic League.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. The next Montpelier Park Board meeting is scheduled for April 1, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.