Ron Graal, director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry (PRF), presented a largely flat 2026 general‑fund request and described strategies to offset operating pressures: increased facility rentals, sponsorships and expanding fee‑supported recreation programs. Graal highlighted the Mineola pavilion project as an example of a facility built to generate rental revenue and said the department posted a record year for facility rentals.

Graal said PRF is pursuing several staffing and operational priorities in 2026: advancing a part‑time volunteer coordinator toward full‑time (not yet funded as full time in the 2026 budget), completing a park and recreation system master plan (the current plan is about 15–20 years old) and continuing the Mineola project with a goal of opening in 2027. PRF reported roughly 37,000 volunteer hours in its records, which the department calculated as having a notional state valuation near $1,300,000 in-kind value; Graal framed the volunteer program as a strategic asset and said expanding coordination could increase that in-kind value and community partnerships.

Graal said PRF has been strategic about maintenance demand by identifying low‑mow and natural‑area park designs, using contractual services for medians and high‑volume tasks, and formalizing shared resources with Public Works to match seasonal workloads. Committee members asked about spike items in professional services, vehicle/equipment maintenance and building/grounds maintenance lines; PRF said much of the overage in 2025 reflects being short multiple full‑time staff earlier in the year and that some work was delivered by contractors (time-and-material) while recruitment continued.

Ending: Graal said PRF will continue to pursue sponsorships (reported at about $200,000 for program sponsorships), examine fees and fees/charges adjustments as appropriate, and return with a community‑needs assessment and master‑plan RFP work to guide service priorities.