The Snowflake-Taylor Recreation and Parks Department continued to provide recreational and special event programs, parks and facility maintenance, tree pruning and cemetery services to the community in 2016, according to Director Don Camacho. In his annual report, Camacho noted that during the course of the year 85 teams played 470 softball games, 73 teams played 339 basketball games, 24 teams played 130 volleyball games and 45 teams made up of 705 youth played 165 soccer games. In addition, the Taylor Celebration Run drew 59 participants and the Snowflake Pioneer Day Run drew 119. Summer programs offered by the department included sports camps, and arts and crafts. Nine programs were enjoyed at Thursday Night at the Park. The department acquired a 35’ tree for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and hung flowers, poinsettias and snowflakes on Main Street in Snowflake. Four racquetball courts at Pioneer Park were patched and painted, and new fencing was installed on the on top and upper sides of the courts. Future plans call for the installation of motion lights on two courts for evening play. Two pickleball courts were installed at Fredrickson Park. The picnic tables at Pioneer and Fredrickson parks were replaced with vinyl coated expanded metal tables. Trees were planted. The resurfacing of parking lots at Fredrickson and Pioneer parks was contracted out. General maintenance was conducted on the sports fields and park areas. Trees were pruned under a $3,500 contract, and sprinkler systems were repaired. The department is working with Smallmelo to put the cemetery records on the town website. A new John Deere 1570 commercial front mower replaced the old mower at the cemetery. In the future, a front row of sprinklers will be installed at the cemetery.
