Oak Grove park board prioritizes farmer’s market, shade and tree plantings for 2026 budget

The Oak Grove Park Board on Sept. 9 discussed priority items for the parks department’s 2026 budget, centering on support for the farmer’s market, shade structures at playgrounds, and a shift to planting larger trees across several parks. Board members said the farmer’s market and upgrades to Webb Park and Brick Park were high priorities, and staff outlined timing and funding constraints for some projects. "So this was your homework to go home and figure out what priority items you had," the meeting chair said as the discussion opened. The board did not take formal budget votes at the meeting. Park staff told the board the department plans to begin planting larger trees this fall rather than smaller saplings, to increase survival and provide quicker shade. "We are implementing the larger tree planting, and we're gonna start some of that this fall," the Park Director said. Staff noted Caraway Lake was a specific location targeted for replanting because the park had lost a substantial number of trees. Board members raised several playground improvements as candidate budget items, including shade structures near newer playground equipment and extra seating at Brick Park. One member asked whether additional features previously approved for a playground — including possible removal of a sandpit and swings — were still planned; the Park Director responded the department is "still waiting on the answer on that sand," and said the grant application status should be announced this month. Staff also flagged a probable standalone budget item to install a privacy fence around a storage container; an estimated cost provided to the board was around $20,000, though staff said that figure could be lower pending verification of bids. Bleachers and grandstands were discussed but staff characterized many existing seats as adequate; they noted transported bleachers are used at the horse arena and for occasional events. No motions to appropriate funds or authorize contracts were made. The Park Director said they will research costs and return to the board with detailed estimates at a future meeting. Board members also agreed to place an internal matter (redoing this year’s board election) on the next agenda, via a formal motion that passed later in the meeting. A narrower set of priorities and confirmed cost estimates will be presented to the board for decision at a later meeting once staff complete follow-up work and verify grant outcomes.