Fence upgrades OK’d

Baseball and softball fields are set to get upgrades.

The Portland Park Board approved funding to help pay for replacing and upgrading fences at the baseball and softball fields at Weiler-Wilson Park.

Board president Brian Ison explained that fences have been on the list of needs for the parks system but did not fit into the 2025 budget. Parks manager Ronnie Reynolds noted bent and broken poles as well as other problems that could cause safety issues for those using the fields. He said he feels the work needs to be done.

Matt Ransom, president of Portland Junior League, agreed with Reynolds’ assessment, noting holes in some fences and rusty poles. He told the park board that the organization agreed to pay up to half of the about $10,500 in proposed fencing work.

Noting that junior league has other field improvements it is looking to fund and that the organization brings in tourism dollars to the community via its tournaments, Ison proposed that the park board contribute $7,500 toward the project.

His fellow park board members agreed, with Jennifer Weitzel, Kyle Carpenter and Emily Goodrich joining him in voting in favor of the funding. (Board member Michael Brewster was absent from the meeting.)

The board also briefly discussed projects and needs for 2026. Ison asked parks manager Ronnie Reynolds to get quotes for potential purchases, such as new umbrellas, related to Portland Water Park.

Referring to a list of potential projects, he also asked fellow board members to let him know if there are other items that need to be considered.

In other business, the board:

•Heard an update from Reynolds, who said all parks have been winterized. He added that a new water line has been installed to the restrooms at Haynes Park and that trees (a cypress, Japanese maple and sycamore) donated by Plant, Hoe and Hope Garden Club have been planted at Hudson Family Park.

•Approved the purchase of two mowers from K&L Tractor of Fort Recovery for $8,000. K&L had the second-highest among three quotes, but quoted a mower with more horsepower and a wider deck.

•Reviewed its meeting schedule for 2026. The board plans to continue to meet at 5:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, with the exception of May and November, during which meetings will be held on the second Tuesday to avoid conflicts with election days.