The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) board reviewed insurance coverage options, financial updates, and ongoing facility improvements during its Feb. 23 meeting, while also highlighting growing activity and new partnerships at Gettysburg’s Recreation Park.
The meeting, called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Chair Steve Toddes, included reports on park operations, maintenance projects, and future planning initiatives.
Insurance coverage under review
One of the evening’s most detailed discussions centered on whether to expand GARA’s directors and officers (D&O) insurance policy to include employment practices liability coverage. Insurance representatives explained the additional protection would cover claims involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or disputes involving employees or third parties using park facilities.
Board members were told the current policy already protects directors from lawsuits tied to official decisions, but the expanded coverage would address a growing area of liability exposure. A final quote comparing the existing policy with expanded coverage is expected before the board makes a decision.
Financial outlook improving
Treasurer Tom Demko reported that required banking signatures have been completed and $45,000 was transferred into an ACNB account earning 3.75 percent interest. The board also approved adding an unclaimed $100 small games-of-chance prize to funds supporting the July 4 celebration.
Separate financial discussions noted that year-to-date expenses currently exceed income, largely due to delayed municipal funding expected later in the year. Officials said anticipated subsidy payments should quickly bring the budget back into balance.
GARA will also see increased revenue from WellSpan Health, which plans to expand its parking lease from 20 to 40 spaces at the park.
Park improvements and maintenance projects
Facilities chair Warren Sheppard praised staff efforts during recent snowstorms and outlined plans for field maintenance and seeding ahead of the spring sports season. He also proposed installing a metal gate at the park amphitheater to prevent vandalism when the space is not in use.
Board members highlighted a recently completed lighting renovation that repaired or upgraded dozens of field lights and added new security lighting. The improvements have significantly increased evening activity across multiple athletic fields, restoring nighttime use not seen in years.
Additional electrical safety upgrades and equipment purchases are under consideration as part of continued infrastructure improvements.
Partnerships and new programming ideas
During public comment, representatives from the Adams County Athletic Hall of Fame thanked GARA for signing a memorandum of understanding and announced plans for a 25th anniversary celebration later this year. The organization is considering upgrades to display areas inside the Sterner Building.
Board members also discussed the possibility of hosting a future “Parajam” event featuring paranormal-themed activities and live music, proposed by Ghostly Images.
In other business, GARA approved donations of $800 to the Gettysburg Fire Department and $200 to the Barlow Fire Department in appreciation for assistance during the July 4 celebration.
Looking ahead
The board briefly discussed long-range planning concepts for potential facility expansion and improved connections between park buildings through a conceptual design program that could help guide future development.
Members closed the meeting by emphasizing continued momentum at the park, citing improved financial oversight, visible facility upgrades, and increasing community use as signs of progress.