Archbold Park Board Prepares For New Survey

Jennifer Kidder, Archbold Parks & Recreation director, said the Archbold Park Board has started planning for the next survey of Archbold residents.

The last survey was done five years ago.

Kidder said the survey determined the overall direction for the board.

"We do everything based on the survey. We'll formulate our plans for the next five years.

"That's how we got Woodland Park. The playground in Memorial Park, the (improvements to the) tennis courts and restrooms in Ruihley Park, the sidewalks in Memorial Park- those all came from the survey," she said.

Kidder said she asked park board members at the Thursday, Jan. 10, meeting to bring any questions they want included on the survey to the next board meeting.

The board will meet again Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 7 pm in Archbold Council Chambers.

The board recognized Kathy Beck, who has left the board after more than a decade of service. Her term ended at the end of 2007.

Kidder said Beck has been replaced by Keith Radabaugh of Archbold.

Park Board approved joining with the Archbold Area Chamber of Commerce to make application to host the Ohio Humanities Council Chautauqua program in Ruihley Park in 2009.

In the Chautauqua program, scholar-actors portray famous persons from the past, telling their stories in the first person.

Kidder said the Archbold Parks & Recreation Department's Youth Basketball program started Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 14, and continues through March 13.

Youngsters from kindergarten to third grade play from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Archbold Elementary School.

The baskets are lowered for the youngsters, which results in plenty of scoring.

"We don't keep score, but they do. At the end of each game, they know who won, no matter what happens.

"And they always win, no matter what happens," Kidder said.

She said the youngsters are fun to watch.