The Charleston Parks and Recreation department received the first installment of tax money on time this year.

“The first installment is supposed to be in June,” Kandy Sager, the Parks and Recreation business manager, said. “The last maybe three or four years, it’s been late.”

$142,000 of the department’s budget comes from the city tax levy for fiscal year 2009-2010, which runs from May 1 to April 30. In recent years, the first installment did not arrive until August.

“They are trying to be more on the ball and trying to follow their schedule,” Sager said about the timely payment.

The rest of the department’s budget comes from program fees, advertising income and a few other sources.

The tourism board recently planted flowers along Lincoln Avenue for the Flower Beautification Project.

Charleston Charitable Trust funds the project, which was inherited from Teen Reach when they left town. The Rotary pool opened in May and has seen strong sales of season passes.

“Pool pass sales were nuts for a week,” Brian Jones, Parks and Recreation Director, said.

Daily admissions have not been as high as last year, but the passes are continuing to sell well.

“Overall, right now we’re doing OK financially,” Jones said.

The Putt-N-Swing has also opened for the summer, as well as summer programs including Day Camp. Day Camp is offering part-time enrollment this summer.

“We have several parents taking advantage of the part-time option,” Diane Ratliff, recreation supervisor, said.

The Cubs and Cardinals trip, scheduled for Saturday, September 19, has filled up already and a wait list has formed.

The Holiday World trip, scheduled for July 20, still has a couple of seats available.

Construction of a fishing pier on Lake Charleston has been completed but wasn’t open until after its dedication.

“It was a long time coming, but its done now,” Curt Devore said. Devore is the superintendent of parks and facilities maintenance.

The city has been working towards getting a human interactive sundial for several years. The board hopes to see the project come to fruition this summer.

“It started and stopped, but it’s back going again,” Devore said.

Sarah Ruholl can be reached at seruholl2@eiu.edu or at 581-7943.