Conservation director reports ADA grill replacements, storm-damaged roofs and new outreach events

Michelle Espinagle, Page County Conservation Director, updated supervisors on park maintenance and recent programming.

Espinagle said ADA‑compliant picnic grills were installed at Nottoway, shoreline and brush removal work at Pierce Creek and other parks expanded trail widths for easier mowing, and the department obtained estimates to replace two pit‑toilet roofs at Pierce Creek that were damaged in storms. "They're in really rough shape from those storms," Espinagle said, and added that the department will likely complete the roof work using in‑house procurement or bids as costs were higher than expected.

She recapped a new August 23 event, "Cops and Bobbers," at Rap Park that had good turnout though fish did not bite that day; the department plans to run it again next year. Staff also built a frame for an indoor pond for education, replumbed a campground shower and distributed rock stockpiles from Ross Park to pothole areas. Mowing has slowed for the season, allowing crews to focus on tree trimming and brush removal.

Why it matters: The work maintains public access and safety at county parks, addresses storm damages to facilities, and supports outreach to children and families. Repair and maintenance costs and decisions about contracting were discussed but no new appropriations were recorded.

What comes next: Conservation staff will pursue bids or internal repairs for the pit‑toilet roofs, complete planned trimming and continue maintenance work through the shoulder season.