Knox Park Board members approved two requests about summer concession stand operations when they met Thursday night.
Starke County Youth Baseball and Softball League President Travis Markin was permitted to continue operating out of the concession stand near the basketball court, while Knox City Police Chief Harold Smith received permission to continue running the other existing concession stand.
Park Board members also considered what to do when the new concession stand is built. All members, both concession stand operators and Mayor Dennis Estok agreed that it would work out best if Smith takes over the new facility once construction is complete.
Board President Autumn Ferch added that the addition of the new concession stand, which will be closer to the splash pad, will spread out the two operations and probably help keep the businesses from directly competing.
Mayor Estok stated that rather than only having concession services available during games, he would like to be able to keep the new concession stand open more consistently for other community events at the park.
Additionally, Mayor Estok told members that there is no set date for when the new concession stand and restroom facilities will be completed. However, he did say it won’t be finished before the start of baseball season. They’re hoping to have the project done and open to the public prior to July 4th. The mayor said construction will commence as soon as the weather breaks.
EDITOR’S NOTE: An on-air version of this story indicated that the Knox City Police Department is involved with running the concession stand. That information is incorrect. Harold Smith and his family run the concession stand under Park-n-Snack Concession LLC. We apologize for any confusion the on-air broadcast may have caused.
