Bessemer Parks and Recreationmake plans for gaga pit
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By P.J. GLISSON
news@yourdailyglobe.com
BESSEMER— The Bessemer Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday approved seeking construction materials to build a gaga pit in Bluff Valley Park.
“I’m going to suggest we get the brackets and the lumber and build it ourselves,” said commission member Terry Kryshak, who volunteered to supply his construction expertise.
He estimates that the project can be completed for $700, compared to ready-to-assemble kits that can run thousands of dollars.
According to gagacenter.com, “gaga is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played in an octagonal pit.”
The center describes the game as “a kinder, gentler version of dodgeball” and explains that it involves a soft, foam ball, as well as skills in dodging, striking, running and jumping.
Some gaga pits are inflatable, while others are based on hard plastic. Bessemer’s pit will be constructed from treated lumber and metal bracing.
Kryshak said that means it will not need to be disassembled for winter months.
In other news, members discussed activities that could be pushed during the winter season.
“What about winter projects?” said Cheryl Olsen, commission chair.
City Manager Charly Loper said she will continue to explore the possibility of setting up an ice rink in Bessemer.
Olsen said someone asked her whether it might be possible to promote more indoor activities in the Bessemer City Hall auditorium.
Loper said tai chi, a moderate Chinese exercise, already takes place in the auditorium. She added that other possibilities, such as yoga, square dancing, and others could be explored.
The commission also learned that the city’s Little Free Libraries will be set up in the spring of 2020, with locations by the Bluff Valley Park pavilion, the Mary Street Commons, and at Yale’s Barber Field baseball diamond.
Loper said the city can explore the possibility of setting up a fourth Little Free Library in Ramsay.
