For the last several months, the Gerald Board of Aldermen have discussed improvements they would like to see at both City and Legion parks. A wide array of projects have been discussed.

City Administrator Nick Grube reported there is nearly $60,000 in reserves in park funds. Technically, park funds and city funds must be kept separate.

Grube suggested the park reserves could be used as matching funds for federal or state grants. City Engineer Terris Cates, with Bartlett & West, was asked to research available grants. Cates was also asked to come up with some costs for the various projects.

Cates presented that information to the board at their July meeting. His findings changed the course on which the board had been set.

Some of the grants would require up to 50 percent matching funds, while others required less. Only a few accepted in-kind work as part of the match.

All of the grants would require payment of the prevailing wage for work done on the projects. After much discussion, the board decided it might be best to complete their list of projects in phases using the reserve money and city labor (which would still have to paid from park funds).

The board then reviewed the initial cost estimates of four projects presented by Cates in no particular order.

The first is replacing the bridge crossing the inlet creek to Lake Charles on the walking trail. A pre-engineered 4-foot by 36-foot bridge will cost $75,000. Concrete footings and abutments for the bridge will run an additional $5,000.

The second project considered is a fountain in the middle of Lake Charles. The fountain could cost $12,000 with an additional $6,000 needed for underground 230V electric to the fountain.

Adding a rest room on the east side of the lake was the third project on the list. Cates estimates a 25-by-25-foot rest room facility could cost $187,500.

The final, and biggest project, was building a regulation soccer field in the park. The Gerald Athletic Association currently has two small soccer fields lined out on the two baseball/softball diamonds. They fall pitifully short of regulation size, but could still be used by the younger soccer teams.

Cates’ estimate for the new field, which includes everything from demolition of the site to scoreboard and bleachers, comes in at just shy of $303,000.

The total estimated cost of all four projects came in at $588,475. To that total, Cates then added a 10 percent engineering fee and another 10 percent for a construction administration fee of $58,847.50 each. This brought the estimated cost for the four projects to $706,170.

After a lengthy discussion, the aldermen seemed much less inclined to pursue grants for any of the projects. That does not mean they are abandoning any of the ideas.

The parks are funded by a percentage of real estate and personal property taxes. That is estimated to be $40,000 in 2026. About another $5,000 is brought in through facility rentals, dues and electrical and insurance reimbursements from groups that are heavy users of the parks.

Payroll and other employee expenses eat up about $20,000 in the budget. General operating and administrative costs take out another large chunk of the budget. This leaves very little money to put back for future projects.

Still, the aldermen seem determined to find creative ways to make improvements at the park. Some, such as the bridge replacement, need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Alternative funding options are being discussed. These include Certificates of Participation, direct bank loans and private donations. The final plan could include a combination of several funding options.

It may take longer than hoped for, and will certainly cost more than anticipated, but eventually there will be improvements at both parks.