The Seaside Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on September 15, 2025, spotlighted a pressing need for increased public works staffing, as community members rallied for more resources to maintain the city’s parks and facilities. Advocates emphasized the importance of public engagement, urging residents to attend city council meetings and voice their support for this initiative.

During the meeting, participants highlighted the current strain on public works staff, who are stretched thin across various responsibilities. “They’re using the same people to do a bunch of different things,” one member noted, stressing that the existing workforce is insufficient for the number of parks and facilities in Seaside. The call for action included a push for the city council to allocate funds for additional staff in the upcoming budget.

Public Works Director Thomas Korman responded to these concerns by outlining a plan to assess staffing levels in comparison to similar cities. He proposed hiring a landscape architecture firm to conduct a thorough evaluation of the city’s parks and recommend staffing needs based on industry standards. This assessment aims to provide concrete data to support the advocacy for more public works personnel.

Korman also mentioned the potential for securing grants to fund improvements and staffing, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to address the city's growing demands. “We need to put something concrete around that,” he stated, indicating that a data-driven strategy would strengthen their case to the council.

As the meeting concluded, the public was invited to share their thoughts, reinforcing the collaborative effort needed to advocate for better resources in Seaside’s parks and recreation services. The outcome of this initiative could significantly impact the community's quality of life, making it essential for residents to stay engaged and informed.