Each week, City Manager Tom Aspell straps on his kneepads and helmet, grabs his skateboard and heads down to the old abandoned warehouse. Lo and behold, the building has been fitted with skate ramps and magical letters that float in the air. Tom busts out trick after trick, collecting letters all the while. When he's done, not only has he set a new high score, he's spelled out a city memo as well!
adult (and kid) swim
City pools opening
The city's seven outdoor swimming pools will open for the season June 16, Aspell writes. Residents are reminded that they will need a photo ID to use the pools. Nonresidents will need to purchase a pool pass at the Parks and Recreation office prior to using any of the pools. Non-resident pool passes cost $113 per family.
Also, all city swimming pools, including the White Park pool, are available for rent on Saturday or Sunday mornings for children's birthday parties, neighborhood parties, or family gatherings. The rental rate is $103, which includes two lifeguards, and use of the restrooms and pool area from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 225-8690 to make a reservation.
feeling friendly
Grant approved
The governor and Executive Council approved the Community Development Block Grant contract for the Friendly Kitchen project June 6, Aspell writes. Having cleared this final step in the grant approval process, the funds are now available for the project.
The grant is for a total of $500,000, of which $485,000 will be available to the Friendly Kitchen for its project. The remaining $15,000 will be retained by the city to cover the cost of a consultant to administer the grant and ensure compliance with certain federal requirements associated with it.
The total project cost for the new facility is $2 million. Securing the grant was critical, as it will fund approximately 25 percent of the total. The Friendly Kitchen hopes to open the doors to its new facility by Thanksgiving.
