Parks staff reported a range of completed capital work, events and pending grant requests at the Oct. 8 meeting, and told the board about outreach metrics and next steps for winter programming.

Staff said the Spencer Park playground ribbon cutting and opening drew families and volunteers; staff reported 27 children, 20 adults and 4 dogs at the opening and noted the event’s popularity on social media. The department is finalizing the seasonal recreation guide for winter programming, expanding social media channels (including a new TikTok account) and pursuing a pending SIA grant to purchase movie‑projection equipment and funding for outdoor film licensing fees.

Staff described the licensing costs for outdoor movies as substantial (examples cited: popular new titles can cost roughly $700 per showing; older or niche titles may be less) and said the department will pursue sponsors and concessions to offset costs should the grant not fully cover them.

Staff also outlined completed maintenance and capital tasks — trail and parking lot paving at Houston Park, irrigation repairs at the golf course driving range, completed green aeration work at the golf course, ordering new light poles for Spencer Park (installation planned for winter or spring), and other routine maintenance. Board members were notified that Dean (maintenance) has reported failing pumps at an unnamed water feature; staff said all three pumps will eventually need replacement and estimated replacement costs could be similar to recent pool pump replacements (in the $10,000–$12,000 range based on prior work). The board asked staff to provide a firm cost estimate so the city council and finance committees can evaluate GO bond funding or other capital sources.

The department reported continued community engagement with events such as the “Howling at the Moon” series, a Halloween costume contest, and plans for Christmas in the Park and related November/December events. Staff said they are coordinating with local partners (schools, career center, AV broadcasting students) for promotional materials and volunteer support.

Board members asked staff to provide more precise capital cost estimates for the pump replacements and to continue pursuing grant and sponsorship strategies to support events and equipment purchases.