Parks, recreation and events staff told the commission on Jan. 13 that the department renewed and expanded several programs in 2024 and has a list of capital and programmatic priorities for 2025, including park upgrades, improved lighting, more full-time maintenance staff and larger regional events.

Parks Director Sam reported that youth, adult and event programming saw growth last year: summer-camp registrations rose to about 120 participants, seasonal athletic registrations increased, and new events such as trunk-or-treat and expanded WinterFest drew larger crowds. Staff said a community garden and emerging partnerships with local schools and nonprofits support youth education and recreation.

Events and communications staff said they plan to make GeorgeFest a more regional draw, to scale event marketing and to build a persistent brand so the festival draws visitors from neighboring counties. Events staff asked the commission to consider modest investments in b-roll video and social-media advertising to attract out-of-area visitors. Clifford House staff reported steady visitor numbers since opening as a staffed historic site.

Parks staff described capital priorities: regrading and resurfacing Carver Park, adding pickleball courts where demand exists, flood-protection and seawall work linked to waterfront master-plan objectives, new lighting and camera systems for parks, and consideration of a hydroponic greenhouse at the community garden for educational programming. Public works said it will support park maintenance but commissioners discussed expanding full-time parks maintenance positions to reduce reliance on part-time seasonal staff.

Commissioners asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates and funding paths for a program to scale GeorgeFest into a regional event, for a parks master plan and for architectural/design standards that would guide downtown redevelopment so new projects align with the city's aesthetic and maintenance expectations.