Parks director has 1st meeting

The new Northside Pool is set to open July 27.

YOUNGSTOWN — Jason Whitehead, the mayor’s chief of staff, has assumed the duties of parks and recreation director.

The parks and recreation commission’s meeting Thursday was its first since director Joseph McRae left office after accepting an early retirement incentive package May 9. Board of control members authorized a $40,000 severance package for McRae on Thursday.

Whitehead has been acting as parks director for two days, he said.

In a report to parks board members, Whitehead said the new Northside Pool is scheduled to open July 27. Borts Pool will open June 20. Both facilities are open from 1 to 7 p.m. daily.

Also at the parks board meeting:

U The board authorized purchase of a digital chemical controller for Borts Pool at $2,895. The device will prevent pool employees from over-chlorinating the pool, said Darlene Tubbs, the department’s executive secretary. The staff has been estimating chlorine levels using test strips. She said he expects the controller to save the department overall when chlorine cost savings are taken into account.

U The board entered an agreement with Creekside Golf Dome, Girard, to offer reduced rates for the city’s summer day camp participants who use Creekside’s miniature golf course. In return, Creekside’s First Tee Golf Program participants will receive discounted rates at city golf courses. The agreement is valid for one year, said Tubbs.

U Board members discussed the department’s ongoing search for a grant writer. The department hasn’t received a major grant since 2001, said administrative assistant Tiffany Chavers.

U Chavers told board members that registration will begin soon for the city’s summer day camp. Sessions will be June 20 through Aug. 15 at parks around the city. Preregistration will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4-15 at Crandall Park or Fosterville Park.

Camps will be held at Fosterville, John White, Homestead, Sheridan, Crandall, Hillman, and Wick Parks as well as the Lynn Street Playground and the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District.

U The board agreed to donate a round of golf to Ursuline High School’s annual auction, as it has for the past five years.