AED now in service for parks department

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department now has an automatic external defibrillator for use at the Greencastle Aquatics Center and Parks Department sporting events. Pictured are (front, from left) board member John Hennette, president Tim Trigg, vice-president Kara Thomas, secretary Russ Evans, (back) ex-officio members Wes Wilson and Kelly Lewis, Operation Life's Zach Bowers and Matthew Carter, Assistant Parks Director Cathy Stiles and Parks Director Roderick Weinschenk.

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department took possession of a piece of equipment it hopes to never need to use Wednesday night.

At the regular meeting of the Greencastle Park Board, a pair of Operation Life representatives gave the board members a hands-on demonstration of how to use the new automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Operation Life's Matthew Carter and Zach Bowers showed the board the simplicity of operation of the AED. The user simply has to open the machine, follow the instructions for applying pads to the patient's chest and then turn the machine on.

From there, the machine gives instructions to the user and will analyze the patient to determine if a shock is required.

Park Board member Russ Evans, along with Operation Life Director Craig Kinney, has been working hard to get the equipment for the Parks Department.

"Craig Kinney was instrumental in helping us get this," Evans said.

The board also approved Parks Department Rod Weinschenk's plan to apply for an ALCOA/InDNR Community and Urban Forestry Tree Planting Partnership Grant.

The grant is designed to replace ash trees, which are at risk for infestation by emerald ash borers, with other trees.

"By removing these trees, we will be removing some of the habitats these bugs could be living in," Weinschenk said.

The plan Greencastle is submitting to ALCOA involves removing six ash trees in Robe-Ann Park and planting 14 new trees.

The plan also received the approval of the Greencastle Tree Board on Wednesday. The final draft will be prepared, and Weinschenk will submit the application on Friday.

"I think it's a great project. It's a great way to do the job," board president Tim Trigg said.

Another issue which has recently come up for parks and other public pool owners around the country is compliance with the Title XIV Pool and Spa Safety Act. The law requires a redesign of pool drains to ensure swimmer safety.

Weinschenk's goal is to bring the Greencastle Aquatics Center into compliance before Memorial Day, when its opening is planned.

In order to do so, the first step will be to assess what Greencastle currently has and what will need to be done in order to make the pools compliant.

The board approved a $1,200 contract with Spear Corporation to develop a plan for getting the pool into compliance.

The Greencastle Park Board meets at city hall at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.