Bradley County Parks and Recreation asks for full-time park staff, $56,000 pavilion in budget pitch

Parks and Recreation staff briefed the Bradley County Commission on budget requests that center on staffing and small capital projects, with the top priority an extra full‑time employee to keep parks maintained year‑round.

The request was presented by Andy, Parks and Recreation staff, who told the commission he wants “a full time employee at Elrod Park as opposed to just having a part time guy for about half a year.” He said the county’s park portfolio now includes lit ball fields, a disc golf course and other facilities that need more regular upkeep.

Commissioners pressed for details and context. Commissioner Mason noted the department’s priority ordering and said the full‑time position was the most important item; Mayor Davis and others emphasized that officials and part‑time staffing for programs were also pressing budget items. “If you get the full time employee, does extra money for part time still remain a number two?” Mayor Davis asked; Andy replied that officials and part‑time pay remain a high priority because officials are increasingly difficult to recruit.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the request as a maintenance and programming issue that affects safety, field readiness and the county’s ability to host tournaments that bring visitors and local economic activity. Andy said the county has events scheduled through November and estimated weekend tournament attendance at 30–40 teams on busy weekends.

Details and other items discussed

- Staffing and coverage: Andy described current staffing at specific sites: one part‑time employee at Minnis Road; one at Blue Spring; two assigned across the county complex (upper/lower); one at Bradley North; and one swing/float employee who covers multiple sites. The requested position would provide year‑round presence at Elrod Park, where he estimated about 70 acres of grounds to maintain.

- Pickleball/tennis facility: Commissioners asked about a $56,000 line item. Andy said that figure is a vendor quote (not yet formally bid) for a combined two‑bathroom building with storage and, eventually, an attached pavilion next to the pickleball and tennis courts at the Urbane park site.

- BMX track and fence: Andy said the BMX association operates the track and volunteers have done substantial improvements; the department maintains surrounding areas. A $12,000 request would help replace the perimeter fence around the BMX track; Andy said the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and tourism representatives would contribute roughly 50% toward that fence if the county funds the remainder to upgrade the venue for larger meets.

- Program operations: Andy described the maintenance supervisor and athletic coordinator roles. The maintenance supervisor directs field upkeep and works hands‑on; the athletic coordinator runs leagues, serves as the primary contact for coaches and manages equipment and scheduling. Commissioners asked for clarifications on duties and how new staff would fit into existing pay scales; Andy said the salary figure shown in the budget line was for base salary only and benefits would be added separately.

Commissioner concerns and context

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the department’s priorities: an additional full‑time employee first, additional part‑time pay and officials second, and larger items such as turf fields further down the long‑term wish list. Some commissioners suggested incremental approaches to upgrades and parking improvements at busy facilities.

Ending

Andy told the commission he will continue to refine cost estimates for the pavilion/bathroom and other capital lines and return with additional detail as the budget process proceeds. Commissioners signaled support for the staffing priority while noting competition for limited county dollars.