A well-known songwriter and lyricist once wrote a song many years ago that directed everyone to celebrate Earth Day everyday of the year. That message has been exemplified by the Delphi Parks Department and governing board of directors for years. Board members Chris Neumann, Anita Force and Gretchen Walker were recently presented with a comprehensive list of accomplishments since 2005 by department workers.

"To use current slang, it blew me away!" president Neumann said.

Projects at Riley Park, Riley Park Annex, City Park, Trailhead Park, Overlook Park, Stone Barn and the parks department shop were compiled by maintenance supervisor Chuck Foreman as an education tool for board members to use when planning future projects. Highlights included the construction of the gazebo and sidewalk, the boardwalk, installation of siding, a new steel roof and new fascia on the Riley Cabin, a new roof, siding and fascia on the picnic shelter and a host of maintenance items in Riley Park. The annex has a new skate board park. Extensive grounds and building maintenance at all parks was emphasized.

"If it's green, we mow it; if it's on the ground, we pick it up; if it's plugged, we plunge it," Foreman said Monday.

"I'm impressed that a small town like Delphi has so many lovely parks but I'd like to see them become outstanding parks of which everyone can really be proud," Neumann said. "We have a great team of people working for Delphi's parks, including an enthusiastic parks board."

"It was good to see the progress that's been made in all of the city parks," board member Force said. "We have a large number of people who use the parks all throughout the year."

Parks board members do more than govern, according to Force. She said the three worked in force in early April to cut down overgrowth on a nearby hillside. She said the work cleared the way for a better view of Riley Park.

Force said the board also needs to find one more member. She encourages any Delphi resident interested in serving to contact the parks department.

Parks superintendent Dick Farrer said programming is being developed for the summer recreation program. He said he is working with the county extension office this year to more fully utilize the resources of that office and Purdue University. He said he is also in discussions to provide two aviation programs to area youth.

Farrer said a questionnaire distributed in the Comet and through the school corporation last spring was helpful to gain valuable input from park users about improvements which could be implemented to enhance and refine summer programs. He said more activities will be planned for adults this summer.

Farrer, who encourages residents to continue to submit programming and parks improvement suggestions. He can be contacted at his office in the Stone Barn at (765) 564-5127.

"At all Delphi parks, everyday is Earth Day!" he concluded.

The park board will hold a reception for retired board members Mary Ives and Sue Jargstorf April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Riley Cabin. The public is invited to attend but is asked to RSVP by April 27 at (765) 564-4750.