PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FREE POOL ADMISSION DONATION … The Montpelier Parks and Recreation Board discusses the free pool admission donation by the Montpelier Moose and Montpelier Eagles at its meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Thanks to a generous monetary contribution from the Montpelier Moose Lodge and Montpelier Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, residents will be able to enjoy free admission at the village’s swimming pool this summer, highlighted the Montpelier Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Wednesday, April 1.
Both organizations contributed $5,000 each to offset the daily admission cost of the swimming pool.
Montpelier Recreation Director Sandy Gordon told board members a banner will be hung at the swimming pool recognizing both organizations for their financial contribution.
“We do thank the Moose and the Eagles for both being so generous to the community,” said Gordon. Seth Miller, representing the Montpelier Baseball Association, gave an overview of the upcoming youth baseball season.
Miller commented that there are 41 youngsters who have signed up for 8-under baseball. The total between 7 to 14 years old participating this summer is up to 127 youngsters, which are good numbers.
He also mentioned that Montpelier will not be fielding a 10-under NWOAL team this summer, which is something that they have been used to for a number of years.
“That’s really due to the just that age group struggles from the pitching department and make them play four days in a row (Monday through Thursday), it makes things kind of difficult,” said Miller. “We’re looking for the 10-under group to be more of a developmental year.”
Miller added that the 12-under team will be playing both NWOAL and the regular recreational league this year.
He also mentioned that the Pony League season begins playing next week with two teams for the spring season.
From his understanding, it’s kind of up in the air whether or not they will carry two teams into the summer league.
RECREATION DIRECTOR REPORT
Gordon recently met with Finance Director Nikki Uribes updating the concession pricing for 2026 as food and beverage costs have significantly increased over the last year.
She commented that there has been an increase in beverages and chocolate candy costs.
In the last five years, she said the cost of soda pop has gone up 22 percent, and chocolate candy has gone up about as much.
“We went through all the pricing and got that set for 2026,” said Gordon. “I already started ordering some concession supplies hopefully before some of them go up more.”
Regarding the concession stand, Gordon has already hired five new concession employees and has four concession and one recreation staff employee returning for this year.
Gordon and Uribes also worked together through Beck Insurance of Archbold to create a waiver for activities such as a slow pitch softball tournament, sand volleyball tournament, and color run held by groups at the park (other than Parks and Recreation).
The insurance company noted that each group would have to present a Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing the village as additional insured.
She is currently working on a program guide and Community Calendar to be ready for printing the first week of April.
PARK SUPERVISOR REPORT
Park Supervisor Nick Ramos reported there are 11 returning lifeguards and seven new lifeguards for the summer season, pending they get their certifications.
He already spoke with the returning lifeguards and will be meeting with the new lifeguards as soon as they get their lifeguard information.
Ramos also met with Nick Perry to find out when he planned to start the Pony League field renovation.
Perry told him the infield material would be ready to be picked up this week and will do his best to work around the Pony League schedule.
He also talked with Chris Hinkle about creating a cage to block the opening on the municipal playground area that was brought to the department’s attention. It has been fixed.
RESTROOM KEY REQUEST
The board approved a request from the Montpelier Church of Christ for use of the restroom key at Storrer Park from July 27-31.
The church will be using the park for its outdoor activities during its Vacation Bible School. Ramos asked if the church was going to be responsible for cleanup of the restroom facilities.
“They (Montpelier Church of Christ) are usually pretty good about making sure the restrooms are clean,” said Gordon.
IRON HORSE RIVER TRAIL UPDATE
Board member Matt Reid was approached by Chuck Moore on behalf of the Montpelier Area Foundation in regards to donating perhaps to fund the back nine of the Disc Golf Course.
Reid told Moore it would probably be around $10,000 if they wanted to do something like that.
“He (Moore) then asked if the Montpelier Area Foundation gave the Park Board $20,000 could they name the course after the Montpelier Area Foundation,” said Reid.
Gordon responded saying that renaming the course would have to be a village council decision.
Gordon also updated the park board regarding the memorial tree, saying that North Branch Nursery of Pemberville has put a few more trees out on their list.
She is going to reach out to people, the ones who showed interest initially, to find out what kind of trees they’re interested in.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m.
