For many Newton Park Board members, there has been a major issue with lack of communication. The last board director, Denny Slings, did not get along well with members, and at Thursday afternoon’s park board meeting, Newton’s Mayor Mike Hansen was in attendance and addressed the concern.

“You guys are in charge of the parks,” Hansen said. “Citizens can come to you and suggest things. If there is something that is on your mind about the park facility, you’re in charge of bringing those issues and discussing them among yourselves on what you believe is best for our park system.”

Board member Bruce Showalter was concerned about what power the board actually has, noting that, in the past, they felt very unguided.