Parks and Recreation Board

The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Board is to advise the Council on the needed facilities to provide open space such as parks, playgrounds and community facilities for other forms of recreation. It shall also plan, develop and promote City programs and encourage other programs for the leisure time of the City's residents of all ages.  

The Parks and Recreation Board shall consist of five (5) members, residents of the City and at least eighteen (18) years of age, appointed by the Mayor, with the approval of the Council, for two (2) year terms. The Board shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson in July of each year. All members shall serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments for the balance of the term. The Park & Recreation Board meet the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30PM at the Palo Community Center. 

 Subject to the approval of the City Council, the Mayor may appoint one or two City Council members to serve as liaisons to advise the Board and communicate with other Council members and the Mayor on the activities of the Board.

The Board shall establish, at a minimum, the following subcommittees: A. Sports (youth and adult) B. Cultural Enrichment C. Parks D. Budget Each subcommittee shall be made up of a chair (member of the Board), vice-chair (member of the Board) and additional community members who may or may not be residents of the City. Subcommittees shall meet on an as-needed basis throughout the year to plan and develop programs to present to the Board. Additional subcommittees may be formed at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Board.

The Board shall develop, administer and review policies, rules, regulations and budgets relating to parks, playgrounds, recreational centers, and cultural functions and activities. The Board shall review relevant ordinances periodically and make recommendations about present and proposed ordinances to the Council as the Board deems appropriate. The Board shall give special attention to the development of long-range planning, programming and availability of parks and recreational facilities and programs for the use of the public.

 The Board shall provide monthly minutes to each member, the Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator and shall make the minutes available for public inspection. The Board shall also maintain a long-range plan, communicating the vision of the Board, updated and provided to each member, the Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator annually.

 The Board shall promote cooperation with other local boards and commissions, civic groups and businesses to expand and improve its programs at a minimum cost to the citizens of the City.

 

The Park and Recreation Board Members - 2 year term:

Ben Rusnak (December 31, 2024)

Michelle Walker (December 31, 2024)

Morgan Scheer (December 31, 2024)

Amanda Staab (December 31, 2024)

Ann Mitchell (December 31st, 2025)

 

If interested in joining the Park & Recreation Committee, please contact Palo City Hall at (319)851-2731.

More information can be found under "Boards & Commissions", "Park & Recreation Board".