Lynch reviewed numerous updates to Stearns gymnasium since 2009, including painting, new windows, the floor, backboards and scoreboards and volleyball net with much of the work being done with volunteers.

She also mentioned the playground at Stearns Park, which was removed due to equipment being deemed dangerous. The county has donated equipment and is working on getting the equipment installed.

Gibson Pool has also undergone several improvements over the past couple of years, including painting, new drains, a new slide, new lifeguard stands and patio furniture.

Commissioner Cindy Walker said every year recreation has new regulations to comply with and the department goes above and beyond.

“I’m just really impressed,” Walker said. “It’s a small, yet mighty department.”

Lynch said the recreation department does fundraisers every year to supplement needed funding and also mentioned the success of the recreation department’s affordable after-school and summer program to help working parents.

The after-school program currently serves about 25 students and the summer camp serves approximately 80 children with a waiting list.

Josh King with IPDC said they can create Polk’s recreation master plan more inexpensively than the other proposals because IPDC works with Polk and has already spent a great deal of time on hiking trails around the county. He also said he plans to get the county’s towns to adopt the plan once it’s complete. King mentioned that the work of the recreation advisory board and department on the surveys and community meetings probably saved the county $6,000 to $10,000 in work on the master plan.

Other proposals obtained for the master plan included one for $16,500 and another for up to $36,000.

IPDC estimates the plan will take six to 12 months to complete.