Cass, speaking for the Harvey County Parks Department, told the Board of County Commissioners that the department’s overall operating budget is largely flat for 2026 while listing a series of capital projects and equipment replacements planned over the next five years.

The parks director said Memorial Day weekend was busy at East Park and that lake levels have recovered after several years of drought, allowing the department to resume projects that had been timed for dry conditions. “We started this project when the lake was actually dry, and we are hoping it would have been a good opportunity to actually take care of that boat ramp,” Cass said of the Willoughby boat ramp replacement, for which engineering plans are complete and bids will be requested.

The CIP requests include: replacing the Willoughby boat ramp (engineering complete, bid to be issued); replacing one remaining dock at East Park; repairs to the swing bridge at West Park including replacement of expanded metal; completion of the disc-golf course (purchase and installation of baskets, concrete tee boxes and signage); a Bluestem-area shower facility at East Park; HVAC replacements at Volunteer Hall and the Camp Pock shelter; playground replacement at Willow Bend camping area; a water‑availability expansion feasibility study and a review of West Park’s well system; and the required five‑year engineered dam inspection in 2026.

Cass told commissioners the plan for the boat ramp is to pour concrete slabs on dry land and push them into the lake after grading the lake bottom, and that the department will try to schedule work late in the camping season to minimize disruption. She said one dock has already been replaced and the second will be delivered and installed shortly. The department purchased skid-steer attachments and plans to replace one mini-excavator, a patrol truck and to finish disc‑golf refurbishments next year.

On amenities and operations, Cass said the bait shops are operated as an amenity rather than a profit center; the department maintains at least a 50 percent markup on retail items but payroll costs often offset revenue. The bait shops are seasonal and closed Tuesday–Wednesday after Labor Day. The department maintains separate budgets for each park and each bait shop and said bait shops “are really small” revenue sources intended as park amenities.

Cass described the water/sewer limitations at both parks: East Park is on rural water and lagoons for wastewater, and West Park is served by a well system and a lift station. A study would evaluate whether there is horsepower and infrastructure to add individual water hookups. She said adding individual sewer hookups would require significant changes to lagoon/lift systems and likely be a “large investment.”

The department also seeks a Willow Bend dump station at East Park, a concrete solution for disc-golf tee pads installed with volunteer labor, playground resurfacing and one-time items such as a new photocopier and a tire changer for the shop. Cass said the dam inspection is required by the state every five years and that common inspection findings relate to trees and woody vegetation growing on the dam requiring ongoing removal and treatment.

Commissioners asked about user rates and utilization. Cass said holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day) are the busiest; typical summer occupancy is about 50 percent at East Park and 30–45 percent at West Park. She told the board adding showers and other amenities would likely increase length-of-stay and reduce congestion at other facilities.

The Parks Department submitted priority ordering for the CIP: disc-golf completion was listed highest, followed by the dam inspection and subsequent items. Commissioners and staff discussed timing and cost concerns; Cass said some projects will be done in-house with volunteers to reduce costs.

Ending: The Parks Department presentation concluded without formal votes. Commissioners asked to review priorities and suggested further discussions during budget work sessions on June 3 and subsequent dates.