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Parks Director Kevin Arand said the city holds a teen event at the city pool, located across the street from the park, during Founders Day in an effort to keep children separate from alcohol sales during the event.
"We don't want a lot of drinking going on around the kids," he said.
City officials have discussed moving the event back to the city park for several years. Founders Day began in 1980 at the city park but was relocated to the square after flooding in 2000.
Changes were made to last year's event in an effort to make it more family friendly and not center around the beer garden, which opened later and closed early than in past years.
The park, building, development and public service committee agreed that the park advisory board should make a recommendation on relocating the event or keeping it downtown.
Park Board
The committee agreed to add three members to the city's park advisory board to alleviate some of the volunteer work of its members.
"I felt like it was a good idea to add a few members," said Mayor Mike Livengood. "It is a heavily voluntary board with a lot of responsibilities. It seems like we are getting a lot more interest in the park board."
Union residents interested in serving on the board can contact city hall at 636-583-3600.
Liberty Swing
Arand told the committee that work to install a handicap swing should begin this week. He said the installation of the surfacing below the swing has been delayed due to weather.
"Once it gets going it will be about a monthlong process," he said. The "Liberty swing" will give handicapped children a new activity at the park. It cost about $16,000.
Arand said once the swing is installed it would be available to all residents in Franklin County. He added that additional handicap accessible equipment also would be located near the swing, including an infant disability swing and basketball activity.
The swing is key operated and it will be located in a fenced area. The surface of the handicap area will be a rubber material that wheelchairs can easily roll on.
Arand said anyone who would like to make a contribution to help purchase the swing can contact the parks and recreation department.
Exercise Equipmentv Several pieces of outdoor exercise equipment have been installed at the city park.
There will be seven pieces of equipment near the large pavilion at the park and three by the city lake, Arand said.
He noted that the equipment is geared toward adults, specifically "baby boomers," in the community.
The equipment was funded by several businesses and individuals including Patients First, which purchased two pieces of exercise equipment, as well as Stan and Janet Bolzenius of BOCO Electric; Esselte Pendaflex, Union Wildcats Class of 1970, Dr. Chris and Dr. Julie Landrum of Animal Clinic of Union; American Family agent Carol Schmitt and Edward Jones representative Tricia Seely, who jointly purchased a piece of equipment.
Arand said some examples of equipment are sit-up boards and leg presses. He explained that at each job station there will be a board posted that explains how to use the equipment and what muscles are worked while using the equipment.
Arand said equipment is located near playgrounds so parents can do a workout while they are watching their children.
