Dubuque parks directors outline FY2026 needs as residents press for Eagle Point Park repairs

Marie Ware, the city’s parks and recreation director, presented the Parks Department’s fiscal year 2026 budget and improvement requests to the Dubuque City Council on April 9, saying the department’s net property tax support request is “a little under $4,000,000,” which Ware said translates to about $61.22 for the average homeowner.

The Parks Department presentation emphasized staffing limits, reliance on seasonal employees and a list of capital projects and grants. Ware said the department depends heavily on temporary summer staff and that “we could not do it without them.” Park division manager Steve Fazel told council the division maintains more than 50 parks, about 30 miles of trails and an urban-tree program but is short-handed: “we have a tree crew of 3 people,” he said, and recent storms have strained crews and delayed nonurgent work.

Why it matters: Eagle Point Park, long a focal point of resident concern, drew the bulk of public comment and much of the council discussion. Multiple speakers who live near or use Eagle Point urged faster repairs, more maintenance and community involvement to restore the park’s appearance and preserve historic…