SALEM — The parks commission approved equipment repairs in its May meeting.

Parks Foreman Wes Bryan told the commissioners that he spoke with Unkefer Sales, a Kubota dealer based in Minerva, and the estimated cost of repairs necessary to return the parks department’s Kubota to working condition was $4,500. However, the cost to repair all its issues was estimated to be closer to $10,000.

The commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with the $4,500 repair, and asked Bryan to review other equipment options to reduce the Kubota’s usage.

The commissioners also discussed the department’s annual Independence Day celebrations, which are scheduled for July 3. Parks Director Kelli Pastore said that Mac Trailer would be providing a stage for live music by the Embers of Floyd band, and that Woogity Woodshop and the Chainsaw Bunny would be in attendance to carve a wood sculpture. The event will also feature inflatable bounce houses provided by the parks department and First Christian Church, games by Shepherd of the Valley and other area businesses, and hot dogs provided by the Rotary Club of Salem.

Pastore said that several food trucks are also set to be in attendance.

Pastore also announced that the heritage tree planting ceremony would be held at 11 a.m. on June 19 in Centennial Park near pavilion six as part of the city’s America 250 programming.

During her report, Pastore told the commissioners that the Knights of Columbus’ fishing tournament at the Salem City Lake on May 9 “was very well attended” with more than 50 people in attendance, and that there was interest in making it an annual event. The Columbiana County Suicide Prevention Coalition’s fishing tournament is set to be held on June 20.

Pastore also told the commissioners that she and Bryan had met with Stark Memorial Funeral Home Owner Dan Madden to select an area on Bell Island to plant a lavender garden, and that it would include roughly 30 large lavender plants with a paver and pea gravel walkway.

During his report Recreation Supervisor Rocco Crawford told the commissioners that plaster repairs at the Centennial Park pool had been completed and painting had begun. He said that the painting would be completed and the pool would be filled in time for opening day on June 7.

The parks commission will meet next at 8 a.m. on June 24.

mahart@mojonews.com