March 11, 2025
Springtime has arrived, but it might be overdoing it with an 83-degree day yesterday. The Council has a few things to share with the citizens of Cimarron.
We are happy to report that for the first time in quite a while, we have 100% of our staff positions filled. There are a lot of things on our “to do” list so a full staff is vital. You will see them moving around the city getting things done.
You will see several things happening at the Cimarron Crossing Park. The summer recreation program is already up and going with the kids coming to the ballfields to practice and lists of teams, coaches and players being compiled by the Rec Program Manager, AJ Cooper. If you have questions, please give the city a call and they will help you out.
Some of the fences around the ballfields are really many years old and in need of attention. Portions of the old fence have already been torn out and new fence and gates installed. The fence on the south side of the east field will be replaced with a 10-foot fence to decrease the chances of spectators being hit by an errant ball. We have struggled with the west field for several years and sometimes miss games due to standing water. Professionals were hired to fill in and level the field. New grass sod was installed and seems to be taking root.
The concrete sidewalk is several years old and there was a portion that is just north of the shelter house that had buckled. The city crew tore that out a few days ago and are ready to pour concrete. It will be a significant improvement.
When you go to the park, drive to the very west end. If you have not, there are things happening there as well. As I said in a previous comment, six new trees last spring. When fall came, they were all alive – we are hoping that all of them come out this Spring. Any of you who have lived in western Kansas knows, trees are a rare commodity and growing healthy trees can be a challenge. Also in the west end, plans are being made, with the help of a grant, to install a pickleball court. There is currently a volleyball court and basketball court, so this addition would give residents several ways to enjoy recreation and improve their health.
Going along with the subject of good health, we are in the grant process of getting sidewalks along the main streets in town. We already have a nice sidewalk that ends at the Park, but there will be one that goes from fifth street to the Grocery Store and Dollar General on the east side of town. In addition, there will be sidewalks from Court Street up to the Shepherd’s Center and another from Pine street to the Recreation Center on the west side of town. This will be a big project, and we hope it will increase the safety of all. We await the notification of approval on the grant.
For the park, enjoy the memorial garden at the west end. The previous wooden picket fence was deteriorating and looking poorly. The city crew replaced it late last fall, and it looks very nice. Spend some quiet time there remembering those that gave their all for our freedoms.
The businesses just south of the tracks are enjoying new sidewalks, lights, benches, and trash receptacles. The project took much longer than expected due to back-ordered lights, but it is complete and with new railway tracks, the trip to the park is much more enjoyable.
The city pool. Corey Lopez, the pool manager, is ready for another fun, cool year. She is getting a full staff and training will begin soon. The tentative date is April 18th or 19th. Please check in on the City Facebook page when time gets closer. The slide is being redone, repairing the cracks and re-surfacing. The City crew will be starting the preparations for the summer in the near future.
We now have a new community development person, Charlotte Neuschafer. She will be working on some grants for playground equipment for the parks plus other duties. There will be more information coming on the Cimarron Celebration that will be coming up in July.
Check out the City of Cimarron website for upcoming information. There will be another update to the electrical service in early April. Check the date to be prepared for the electricity to be turned off. It will last 4 to 5 hours during the night. We are trying to keep the community informed as to activities and repairs going on in the community so please check the website or Facebook.
Gilbert Benton, Mayor