If you are looking for a way to serve your community, consider applying for an open position on the five-member Luther Parks Commission. Longtime and dedicated commission member Rosemarie Strong recently resigned and has joined the fund-raising organization Luther Friends of the Park.
Parks Commissioners meet monthly and volunteer to improve Luther’s public parks, including Wildhorse Park, Luther Route 66 Disc Golf Park, and the historic Booker T Washington Park. The commission also organizes community events to raise funds, including a circus in September, and a Christmas event with carriage rides in December! Check the town events page for more information.
According to Town ordinances, the following are the powers and duties of the commission:
SECTION 11-105 POWERS AND DUTIES
Luther Code of Ordinances
The board of park commissioners shall act in an advisory capacity to the Luther town trustees in connection with the care, management and control of all parks and grounds used for park purposes, all boulevards and parkways, now or hereafter owned by or under the control of the town. The board of park commissioners shall advise with, and suggest to, the Luther town trustees, methods of improving and adorning parks, boulevards and parkways. In addition, park commissioners may help conduct special events as desired and approved by the Luther town trustees. Park commissioners may apply for available grants as necessary to complete desired projects upon approval of a majority of Luther town trustees. Park commissioners shall have power to make and alter necessary rules and regulations for the maintenance of order, safety, and decency in the parks, within town limits. No such rules or regulations shall be of any effect unless they shall have been first approved by a majority of Luther town trustees. For the purpose of enforcing such rules and regulations, all such parks and property, within town limits are hereby placed under the police jurisdiction of the town. Any member of the police department may arrest in any such parks or places, within the limits of the town, any person who has broken any park rule or committed any violation of such rules or the ordinances of the town in the park. The municipal court of the town shall have jurisdiction of all such violations committed within the limits of the parks. (Prior Code, Sec. 15-5)
Parks commission projects which require funding must be provided to Luther town trustees via a written proposal including a budget with line items for each requested and/or required expense. Budgets and proposals shall be approved by a majority of the Luther town trustees prior to implementation. Once approved, budgetary expenses shall be paid directly to the identified vendor by the town of Luther utilizing current town of Luther vendor payment policies and procedures. Neither the parks commission, nor any of its members, will receive money directly, or indirectly, from the town of Luther or the LPWA for any reason whatsoever.
Terms of Parks Commission members:
- one commissioner shall be appointed for a term of one year,
- two (2) commissioners for a term of two (2) years and
- two (2) commissioners for a term of three (3) years.
The terms of the commissioners shall begin on July 1. Any vacancy which may occur through resignation, or otherwise may be filled for the unexpired term in like manner. No compensation for services of the commission shall be allowed to any member.
The Luther Parks Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at Luther Town Hall, 108 S. Main. Meetings are held in accordance with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes §§ 301-314. Special meetings of the park commission may be called by the chairman or a majority of the commissioners in accordance with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.
Parks Commission Applicants:
- Applicants do not have to reside within Luther Town limits.
- Email interest letter: office@townoflutherok.com or mail: Town of Luther, Town Manager, PO Box 56, Luther, OK 73054, or hand deliver to 108 S Main.
For more information about serving, contact a current parks commissioner, or call Town Hall at 405-277-3833.
