After decades of dedication to the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA), Steve Williams received a heartfelt sendoff at Monday night’s meeting as he prepares to relocate to Charleston, South Carolina.
Williams was honored for his devotion to GARA through his dedication to caring for the rec park’s building and grounds and by serving as an interim executive director.
Known affectionately around the community as the “go-to guy” for park projects big and small, Williams was honored with a commemorative plaque and a round of applause from board members, staff, and friends. “You treated this park like it was your own front yard,” said board Board President Steve Niebler, as others recalled Williams’ tireless work maintaining the fields and mentoring younger volunteers.
“Anytime you’re back in the neighborhood for a visit, we expect you to stick your nose in the door,” said Niebler.
Williams’ departure marks the end of an era, but also a celebration of his enduring impact on the Gettysburg community. Williams, humble as ever, thanked the board and encouraged them to “keep up the great work,” adding that the park was a “gem” for the town.
The meeting also featured a passionate presentation by the Gettysburg Skate Park Committee, who are spearheading a major overhaul of the town’s aging skate park. Committee members Ann Roden and Joshua Kinard shared detailed renderings of a new, fully concrete design that emphasizes accessibility for both beginners and seasoned skaters.
“So it’s time to refresh it. And what we want to do, and it’s going to be a pretty big project, but what we want to do is take it the whole way down, repave the whole thing,” said Kinard.
The estimated cost for the project is between $750,000 and $800,000, with the majority of funds expected to come from grants and corporate sponsorships. The committee has hosted community fundraisers and plans to celebrate “Go Skate Late Day” on June 28, with hopes of rallying more public support.
Financially, the GARA board shared a new budget that projects a $13,000 surplus for 2025. Board members praised the detailed budget breakdowns as a step toward greater transparency and fiscal control.
After extensive discussion, the board approved up to $10,000 to purchase a Cushman utility truck at an upcoming equipment auction. The vehicle, which includes a hydraulic dump bed, will help reduce the physical strain on the maintenance crew—many of whom are older volunteers. The purchase will be offset by the eventual sale of an underperforming tractor.
The board also discussed several conversations with local electric companies about repairs to the lights at the baseball fields.
Personnel updates included the hiring of Dick Andrew, a well-known local firefighter and community leader, to assist with park operations. The board also acknowledged the contributions of volunteers completing community service and noted increasing interest in park usage from external organizations, including Gettysburg Rotary and CJ’s Takeout.
Featured image caption: Three Steves (Toddes, Williams, and Neibler)
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.