By John Howell

The Batesville Civic Center will soon have 20 pads with picnic tables, fire rings, charcoal grills and hookup services for recreational vehicles, director Roy Hyde said. 

Hyde met with the mayor and aldermen during a work session that started one hour before their regularly scheduled First Tuesday meeting May 6. During the session he described equipment needed to complete the construction project he has been coordinating at BCC since last fall.

“We’re not going to be a destination; we’re going to be a stop,” Hyde told the mayor and aldermen. “They’re going to love our accessibility.”

Batesville locksmith and avid RV camper Mike Addington visited the work session at the invitation of Alderman Stan Harrison to offer advice on the project.

The city officials discussed rental prices, policies and rules. Hyde had compiled recommendations based on similar operations in nearby communities.

 During the regular meeting that followed, aldermen voted unanimously to approve several purchases Hyde recommended for the completion.

The purchase of 18 regular picnic tables and two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant tables for $15,653 was approved. Highland Product provided the lowest of three quotes.

The purchase of 20 pedestal-type charcoal grills was approved for a cost of $2,945. Furniture Leisure submitted the lowest quote. 

Aldermen also approved Hyde’s recommendation for the purchase of sod needed at the site for $1.70 per square foot from Barton Sod.