Department leaders updated the park board on staffing, capital projects and ranger activity at the Aug. 19 meeting, reporting active recruitments, planned park work and several ranger responses during July.

James, superintendent of city parks, said the department has opened interviews for an assistant superintendent and expects a hire in September. He summarized capital work underway, including near-complete restroom renovations at Walker Park and pathway resurfacing work at High Dive Park that was delayed by rain. "Walker Park Restroom is almost complete," James said, adding that the department anticipates completion by September but characterized that as an internal goal rather than a definite date.

James said McNaughton will remain open through Aug. 24 and staff are reviewing seasonal staffing levels for next year to try to keep two facilities open longer into the fall. He also noted ecological and beautification work planned around a pond at High Dive Park.

Ranger staff introduced a new part-time ranger, Jared Kane, who will increase weekend coverage. Jared said he graduated from Purdue and holds degrees in criminal justice and business communication; the rangers expect his weekend coverage to expand park presence from mornings into evenings.

Ranger reports recounted several July incidents. Rangers assisted with a person who fell into the St. Joseph River at Bierdslee Park, called emergency responders and helped keep people calm until police and fire arrived. Rangers also helped free a baby raccoon from a trash can at Franklin's Landing, located a lost child at McNaughton Spray Park and responded with parks staff to a small fire at Boot Dog Park; staff locked restrooms after reporting damage through the city's 311 system.

The board acknowledged staff are experiencing end-of-season fatigue and discussed longer-term options like recruiting older adults for lifeguard positions, though staff noted seasonality and student worker availability remain substantial constraints.

Ending: Staff said they will continue recruitment and capital work through the fall and will return to the board with updates on hiring and project timelines.