By Lee Weyhrich
PINSON — Autumn is right around the corner and Pinson’s City Council spent the meeting planning for the season and discussing the successes and lessons of the summer season.
Councilman Robbie Roberts made a brief presentation regarding the success of the Pinson Public Library’s summer reading program. According to Roberts, roughly 2,300 people attended the 66 events hosted by the library. These events included a science camp, arts and crafts programs, animal programs, musical performances and more. More than 10,000 books were read by the 953 people signed up to participate in the reading program. The library also gave away 1,000 prizes for reading.
With summer nearing a close the Council and city employees have had a chance to see where the new Bicentennial Park has been successful and where it needs improvement.
Pinson Parks Director Mike Sullivan discussed the success of the splash pad and proposed that the council look into changing the hours of operation in light of the upcoming school year, as well as offer a price break to anyone arriving after 4 p.m.
The council unanimously agreed. New hours will be from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Anyone who wishes to use the Splash Pad any time on Sunday, or after 4 p.m. through the weekdays will receive a $1 discount. This will make use of the splash pad free to Pinson residents, $2 for people residing in the Pinson police jurisdiction and $4 for nonresidents.
In addition to the splash pad, the disc golf course has also proven itself a boon for the park. This has caused a bit of a problem with parking. Currently golfers are parking inside the fence near the walking trail. This has damaged grass and has led to complaints from people using the walking track.
The council voted to install additional parking outside the fence. Mayor Hoyt Sanders believes at least eight spaces can be created by the road.
With fall around the corner and the school year soon to begin, football is never far behind.
At the last council meeting it was announced that the high school would be taking a more active roll in Rudd Middle School’s football program. This has brought to light several shortcomings and needs for the program.
Thursday the Council voted to release $3,500 in discretionary funds for the purchase of new middle school football uniforms.
This year’s Meet The Indians, where fans can meet the 2016-2017 Indians football team, cheerleading squad and band members will take place August 13.
In a break from tradition, the band will be performing at the event this year. In fact, this year looks to be a big one for the Pinson Valley High School marching band.
It was announced Thursday that PVHS will host this years county-wide band jamboree. The jamboree is where every band in the county comes to show what they can do.
PVHS will also host the county-wide band competition on October 8.
The city’s youth football program is also kicking into gear. According to Sullivan roughly 100 people are already signed up for football and he estimates another 40 to sign up before the August 9 deadline.