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Director reports FY26 budget gains, West Community Center demolition underway and elevator repair at Waseoto Park
Summary
Director Odom said the FY26 operating budget included about $6.9 million in improvements for Metro Parks, staff began demolition after a gym collapse at West Community Center, and the Waseoto Park pedestrian bridge elevator is back in operation with plans for a higher-capacity replacement.
Director Odom updated the Metro Board of Parks and Recreation on July 1 about department operational and capital developments.
Odom said the FY26 operating budget passed and provides roughly $6.9 million in improvements for the parks department, but that staff are still closing out FY25 accounts. "As today is July 1, we like to joke and say, well, today we're rich. Tomorrow, we're poor again," she said, noting ongoing year-end work.
She reported demolition has begun at West Community Center following a gym collapse May 10; staff are removing contents of the community center portion and will proceed with full demolition and include rebuilding funding in upcoming capital submissions. "I will include in our CSP request for FY27 funding to rebuild that community center," Director Odom said.
Odom also said the Waseoto Park elevator to the pedestrian bridge is back in service after replacing broken glass and that the department plans to replace it with a higher-capacity, non-glass elevator to reduce vandalism. She described continued installations of electronic gates across the county to control after-hours vehicular access and to support maintenance and police operations.
The director thanked board members for their service during Parks and Recreation Month and highlighted staff focus on heat safety and weather awareness for employees and park users.
