MARYSVILLE Work is wrapping up on a new irrigation system for Jennings Memorial Park, as the parking lot is torn up in advance of a new, remodeled entry way.
The irrigation project will allow automated watering of the ball fields east of Allen Creek as well as turf around the old red barn and adjacent to the Rotary Ranch Petting Zoo. The $71,000 project will help greens keepers and ball players alike and should be finished in the next two weeks.
Workers also installed pipes to supply water for a new renovation for the parks main entry on Armar Road, expected to be started later this year, according to Mike Robinson, parks department maintenance manager. That project is estimated to cost $64,000 and should start in mid-May, with completion in June, Robinson said.
Plans are 90 percent complete and when finished the entry project will include several new paths through the center of the main cluster of trees in the center of the entry and exits from the parking lot, as well as an elegant path of stamped concrete, made to look like a stone walkway. The center of the parking lot strip will feature a trellis with espaliered trees and new lighting, according to preliminary drawings. Touches like the stamped concrete will depend on how high bids for the overall project come in, he added.
The irrigation project will help keep the citys only baseball diamond in top shape and will be safe for ball players too. The parks department shares some of the costs for Marysville School District facilities but owns just one baseball field outright. The city is in discussions to purchase Rudy Wright Field on Cedar Street from the district.

Fishing Derby at Jennings Park May 5
The park will also host the annual fishing derby on Saturday, May 5.
The Marysville Kiwanis Club, Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club and Marysville Parks and Recreation are sponsoring the annual Fishing Derby held at the parks Kiwanis Pond. The event is open to children ages 12 and under and will begin at 8 a.m. Kids may bring their own equipment, or use equipment that will be provided. There is a limit of one fish per entrant, and the pond is usually well stocked with trout in the weeks before the derby.
Door prizes and grand prizes will be determined by random drawing and anglers are asked to bring a canned food item to be donated to the Marysville Community Food Bank. The Marysville Kiwanis Club will be on hand with spatulas at their annual Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. in the Lions Club Pavilion. Cost for the breakfast will be $3 per plate.
For more information, please call the Parks Office at 360-363-8400.