Interim parks director narrows candidate field; Pettibone Park transfer and marina landscaping planned

Chris reported that the parks director position closed April 1 with just under 50 applications and that the department will move forward with narrowing the field and scheduling interviews.

"We received just shy of 50 applications for that position," Chris said. He described a best-case timeline of roughly 60 days to complete interviews and follow-up steps, plus two to four weeks for a candidate to transition from a current position, making May a best-case start date. Chris said Connie and Miss McGarry are handling interview arrangements and that staff are preparing for the parks season.

On other items, Chris said the county is working with a township to transfer Pettibone Park and will perform baseline environmental reviews before finalizing the transfer. He also said he plans to add landscaping to the new marina rather than using every square inch for parking. Damage to the Dragon Trail — apparently caused by a motorbike — was reported; Chris said there are more than 200 access points (private and public) that make full closure impractical, and staff are weighing options because liability and enforcement are concerns.

Administrator Ren added context about a state Office of Rural Prosperity, noting it is a newer department created by the governor to address rural economic development, and said Director Sarah Lucas has visited the area.

The parks update covered staffing, asset transfers, trail management and landscaping plans ahead of the active season.