What started with 10 small rubber ducks has grown into a community activity bringing Madill families, local businesses and city employees together whilesparkingideasformore recreational opportunities throughout the city.
During the Aug. 11 Madill City Council meeting, city employee Zach Lee shared how the city's new rubber duck hunt began and how quickly residents embraced the idea.
Lee said he got the inspiration while on his honeymoon aboard a cruise ship, where passengers hide small rubber ducks for others to find. He decided to bring the idea home and build on it as an activity for the community.
Lee started small, hiding 10 ducks during the first week because he wasn't sure howresidentswouldrespond. All 10 were found in approximately three hours.
“I was like, well, I need to step my game up,” Lee told the council.
The following week, Lee increased the number to 55, hiding ducks throughout William Ray Memorial Park, City Lake, the library and Qualls Park.
The hunt is planned as a seven-week activity. Lee said heplanstohideapproximately 55 ducks each Monday during the remaining weeks. Three will be designated as prizeducks,allowingdonated prizes to be spread throughout the program.
Those who find regular ducks get to keep them. Lee said he makes some ducks more difficult for adults to find while placing others where younger children have a better chance of discovering them. He recalled watching a boy, approximately five years old, find one hidden at the library.
“You would have thought he won the lottery,” Lee said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The activity has also received supportfrombusinesses in Madill and Kingston. Whiskey Creek Processing, Rehydration Station, Kingston Care, Paradise Donuts and Yellowstone Shaved Ice were among the businesses Lee recognized for donating gift cards. City employees have also used their own money to purchase prizes, including toys and additional gift cards.
The response has encouraged city officials to consider additional ways to make Madill's parks a source of recreation as well as outdoor space.
Lee said he is considering holding the duck hunt a couple of times each year and wants to develop other small activities that give residents something to do and look forward to.
City officials also discussed moving the parks department toward more of a recreational role. One possibility is holding children's fishing tournaments at City Lake.
The recently installed fountain at City Lake could play a role in those plans. City officials said the fountain not only improves the appearance of the lake but also helps keep the water cooler and adds oxygen for fish. If the fountain performs well, additional fountains could be considered.
Lee was also recognized during the meeting for his work supervising the department. City officials said crews have been working on mowing, weed eating, improved trash pickup and tree trimming.
Kevin Davis, who was recently promoted to lead the city's street department, was recognized for work that has included cleaning ditches, addressing water flow and flooding concerns and cleaning along city curbs.
In other business, Madill is moving forward with improvements to its water treatment system. City officials announced a preconstruction meeting was scheduled for Aug. 12 for a watertreatmentplantproject fundedthroughaCommunity Development Block Grant.
The council also approved a budget amendment related to the city's Christmas lights in the park program. The amendmentallowsdonations and expenses associated with the program to be handled through the city's General Fund.
Council members expressed support for efforts such as the Christmas display and recreational programs that provide activities for local families and bring additional enjoyment to the community.
The council also approved declaring a factory bed from a 2026 Ford F-450 as surplus, with sealed bids beginning at $1,500.
City officials explained that the city normally orders trucks without factory beds because they are equipped for specific city uses. The 2026 truck was available with the specifications the city needed but already had a standard factory bed. The city purchased the truck and removed the unneeded bed, which will now be sold.
During the financial report, the council was told revenues were at 11.49% and expenses at 13.46%.
During public appearances, a resident asked the city to provide actual revenue and expenditure totals in addition to percentages during future financial reports. City officials said they would work to provide the additional information.
The council adjourned following remarks from council members encouraging continued efforts to create activities and improvements that bring enjoyment to the community.