The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) board covered a wide range of community issues at its Monday meeting, blending gratitude, financial planning, and tough decisions about future projects.
Board members opened the session by recognizing Front Runner Construction for donating labor and materials to improve the park’s football storage building and press box. Company representatives Brandon Shelton and Mike Booker said they were proud to give back to the community where they grew up and pledged to continue supporting youth athletics. Board members praised the company’s quality workmanship and commitment to area children.
The board also heard from representatives of Typical Life Corporation (TLC), which provides services for individuals with disabilities. TLC leaders Jeff Henry and Jeff Bash said their program has outgrown its current space at the Rec Park and asked GARA to consider allowing them to lease a larger, permanent facility on the grounds. Board members responded favorably, suggesting the possibility of repurposing unused storage buildings and working together to seek grant funding.
Financially, GARA remains on track. Income for the first seven months of the year totaled about $190,000 against expenses of $192,000, with a $70,000 township subsidy still to come. Pavilion rentals have already exceeded annual projections, and the board is planning for a larger Fourth of July celebration in 2026 featuring the popular band Great Train Robbery.
Facilities and maintenance updates included ongoing work on benches and irrigation, playground plans in cooperation with the Adams County Tech Institute, and masonry repairs to the bandshell. The board unanimously approved spending up to $11,000 to repair long-troubled ballfield lights, with youth leagues expected to help cover lift rental costs.
Other business included discussion of a proposed splash pad project being considered by Gettysburg Borough. Board members were unsure of its feasibility, citing high construction and maintenance costs, and urged further research before any commitment is made. The board also discussed the possibility of acquiring a surplus borough pickup truck, changes to the Adams County Hall of Fame displays in the assembly hall, a regional bike-share pilot program, and a more formal agreement with CJ’s Takeout to provide custodial services in exchange for concession stand use.