Advertising is key to getting people where you want them to be. That holds true for the Kimball Park and Recreation board also, as discussed at the joint City/County meeting Wednesday night.

The board discussed advertising that is in use now as being targeted towards golfers from Cheyenne and Northern Colorado. Kimball County Commissioner Chairman Rick Soper explained that the ads in use now are on I-80 both East and Westbound lanes.

Mayor James Schnell said that ads target these areas because of the proximity to Four Winds golf course. Soper echoed that and added that most of the advertising dollars go to Cheyenne area radio stations. City council member Kim Baliman and council member Kim Christensen agreed that the creative advertising brings in extra revenue for the course.

Staying on top of long term debt is the goal for the Park and Recreation board according to Schnell. This includes setting funds aside to cover unexpected expenses and shopping smarter for dual-purpose equipment. Schnell commended Four Winds superintendent Jeremy Williams on his efforts to do so. He also added that if the age of the equipment varies, so does maintenance and replacement of it.

As an example of one thing he has done to cover for future expenses, Williams described starting a tree replacement program. This project will enable the course to get healthy replacement trees as older, unhealthy ones are removed. The concern over the trees is due to the recent pine beetle infestation in the area.

City Administrator Harold Farrar added that the parks and recreation board has made no requests for extra financial support this year from the city. Schnell also attributed lower costs to Mother Nature, stating that the rain we received through the spring and summer cut watering costs at local parks, softball fields and Four Winds golf course.

There is some concern with the adult softball league according to Schnell. He said that there are teams going to Sidney to play, and the board needs to come up with ways to keep them playing in Kimball. Overall, however, Schnell was pleased with the budget for Parks and Recreation.