June 18, 2026
Memos from the Mayor
There are so many things happening in Cimarron that I wanted to share the details sooner rather than later. Sometimes changes happen gradually, and then all at once we notice them and ask, "How long has that been there?"
Parks and Recreation
Recreation is vital to quality of life in a community. There are a lot of projects that allow people to get out, be active and meet friends.
The pool is open and running well. Although the pool is not truly free, it feels that way because much of the cost is covered through the utility bills paid by City residents. We are seeing strong attendance, and we were able to fill all lifeguard positions.
Although the rain slowed the start of the summer ball program, it is now underway, and the park is full most evenings with children and their families. Come down to watch the kids play and visit with your neighbors. The Council recently approved restroom improvements that will lower the water lines so the facilities can be used year-round. Heat will also be installed to help keep the pipes from freezing. This work does not include updates to the bathrooms in the east shelter house, which will continue to be shut off during the winter.
A new activity coming to the park is disc golf, made possible through grant funding. If you drive through the park, you may see wooden posts in several locations; these will mark the future "holes." Disc golf is a low-impact activity suitable for all ages, and it provides both exercise and mental engagement.
Grant funds have also been received to purchase trees for the park. Twenty-two trees have been planted to help replace the loss of trees from the July 4 storm in the early 1980s. For those who remember, the loss of cottonwood trees was devastating to the park and to the shade that makes it a haven during the long, hot summer months. The grant also provided funds to remove some of the most dangerous dead trees in town, and citizens applied for and received assistance through this grant.
Work is underway to refurbish the bleachers that have been sitting past the outfield of the ball diamonds. The rotten wood will be replaced and painted, and the bleachers will be placed around the park near the basketball court, pickleball court, and other key areas. This will increase seating capacity as park attendance continues to grow.
Upcoming Events
Please mark your calendars for three upcoming events. First, World Cup Watch Parties will be held on June 27 at 9:00 p.m., July 3 at 8:30 p.m., and July 11 at 8:00 p.m. Feel free to bring food to share, and concessions will be available. Second, the Cimarron Summer Market will be held again in the park on June 27. The May event was small but successful, and we would like to welcome more participants and customers. Finally, please save the date for the Annual Cimarron Celebration on August 21, 2026. Each year has grown bigger and better, and we are planning another great community event. Charlotte is looking for artisans and vendors to add to the fun and entertainment. The celebration will be held in the evening, when it will be cooler, and there will be music and food for all.
Quick Notes
Asphalt is being applied to the one-block section of South 4th Street, and the parking lot north of the shelter house will also be paved. This area has long been a source of dust and difficult driving, and the paving will be a great improvement for park users. Please watch for work on 4th and 5th Streets, which will be chip sealed as part of the yearly street maintenance program.
Be sure to look for the wayfinding signs on the highways. These signs come courtesy of Mr. Curtis and his classes at the high school. Thank you to everyone involved.
Please watch for City crews as they work to keep areas neat and mowed. Many acres are mowed each month, and the mowers rarely stop unless they need repairs.
Bids have been received for the sidewalk project, which is expected to begin in the fall. The sidewalks will provide safer walking access north to the Shepherd Center, west to the Recreation Center, and east to the grocery store. This will make it much safer for residents to walk to their destinations.
The two Caterpillar generators are still scheduled for September 23.
Take notice of the City Park south of EBH. The crew has made repairs and re-treated the wood. New rose bushes have been planted as well.
The Memorial Garden in the Park at the far west end has a new flower garden, a new tree and looks great.
The main Shelter House has a new flagpole. The shelter house was built about 1952 in memory of Jeanie Luther, daughter of Forrest and Pearl Luther and cousin to Sidney Warner. It has been a wonderful place for families to get together and enjoy the park for nearly 70 years!
A new fire station is in progress. Check the City's Facebook page to see the rendering of the building planned for the north addition to Cimarron. Bids are being accepted at this time.
Bricks have been ordered and received to replace the worn bricks in the main intersection of town. Hundreds of thousands of trucks and other vehicles travel through this intersection each year, and the bricks have experienced significant wear and tear. Crews are preparing for the update, which should happen before the end of the year. Please stay alert for workers as they improve our drive through the intersection.
On behalf of the Council, we wish you a happy and safe summer.
Gilbert Benton, Mayor