Parks committee reports complete tree inventory, heavy pickleball use and robust youth sports registration

The Hermiston Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee told the City Council on Sept. 22 that a recent tree inventory is complete, pickleball drew heavy visitor counts this summer and youth sports registrations remain strong. Committee members reported that the tree inventory, completed in August, identified trees that need pruning or removal and that work has begun at Bell Park; Victory Square and Funland Park were cited as other areas for future work. Committee members said funding for tree work is nonrenewable and therefore staff will prioritize urgent removals and pruning. The committee reported pickleball usage spikes, with an estimated 1,000 visitors recorded between mid-July and August for the courts based on device pings. The committee also raised the idea of enclosing Funland Park to keep small children and equipment inside the playground and discussed adding bicycle racks outside playgrounds to discourage bicycles inside play areas. Youth sports numbers reported at the meeting: Hermiston youth soccer had 438 players registered across 46 teams (including 156 in the U6 division as noted), football had 233 registered and volleyball 66, with numbers cited as current "as of last week." Recreation coordinator recruitment was noted to begin Sept. 12, with interviews to follow. Why it matters: The inventory and usage data inform maintenance scheduling and budget priorities for parks; high usage of pickleball courts and youth sports programs affects staffing and facility planning. What happens next: The committee will prioritize tree work and continue recruitment for a recreation coordinator; staff will bring updates on funding and project scheduling to the council as needed.