POINT PLEASANT — In 2012, Krodel Park had a record year when it came to the amount of money the park deposited from various fees and events and in 2013, the city has tentatively been approved for a $7,000 grant to assist with playground improvements.

Derrick Taylor, park manager, recently appeared before Point Pleasant City Council to give his annual report. Taylor said in 2012, the park took in $55,512 - up from 2011 which saw the park take in $45,500. In fact, since 2009 the park has steadily been increasing its income with deposits in 2009 totaling $22,981 and deposits in 2010 totaling $35,679.

Taylor told council for the past three years, the park has taken in a total of $136,691. Councilwoman Linda Smith, who is also on the recreation committee, commended Taylor for his management of the park which is one of the town’s largest recreational spots.

Taylor also approached council about adding a new event to the park’s calender - a Shawnee Indian Drum Gathering on April 22. This would include Native American musicians and dancers, as well as historians explaining the Shawnee culture. Mayor Brian Billings asked Taylor to get more information on the event and then present it again before council for approval.

As for the grant for playground improvements, Teka McCauley, administrative assistant to Mayor Brian Billings, has helped organize the receipt of a Governor’s Community Participation Grant, which is administered through the West Virginia Development Office. There is a 10 percent match with the grant which can by met by the city using in-kind labor for any playground equipment. Taylor is currently working to get estimates for a special type of rubber mulch to be placed on the playground for which the grant money may be used.

Though the city has tentatively been chosen for the receipt of the grant, it probably won’t receive any funds until after June 30. However, if received, the grant funds will be spent and improvements made to the park’s playground within the calender year, McCauley said.

Also in Taylor’s report to council was a note that Krodel Park has been given four out of five stars on the same campground website that gave the park one star in 2010.