Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Administration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks recognizes maintenance worker for rescue; director updates dozens of department projects
Summary
Parks staff honored maintenance worker Steven Tucker for assisting a 92‑year‑old resident; Parks Director Jennifer Budge also briefed the commission on department projects including Sea Hill flag rehabilitation fundraising, Mills Park pickleball and tennis upgrades, restroom replacements and ongoing pool and trail work.
Carson City Parks and Recreation used its meeting to publicly recognize a park maintenance employee, and Director Jennifer Budge briefed commissioners on a range of ongoing projects and community programs.
Recognition: Budge read a letter from a 92‑year‑old resident describing how Steven (last name Tucker) and a second worker entered the resident’s fenced yard, lifted the resident to safety, carried him into the house and waited until a family member arrived. Budge said the staff member is part of the parks maintenance team and that the department has launched a Parks MVP recognition program and a QR code/email (parksmvpcarson.org) for residents to nominate staff for outstanding service. The commission and several members thanked Steven and suggested a photograph and public acknowledgement.
Director’s project update: Budge summarized multiple department efforts: - Sea Hill flag rehabilitation: volunteers and foundations dismantled weathered panels; Loomis Engineering is donating review of the underlying structure; the project needs roughly $30,000 for replacement aluminum panels and the team aims to restore the flag by Flag Day 2026 (July 4, 2026). Budge said approximately $13,000 had been raised to date and asked for donations and volunteer help. - Mills Park pickleball: six new post‑tension concrete courts have been completed and will total 14 courts including temporary volunteer courts; wind screens, benches and permanent signage remain to be installed and a grand‑opening event is planned. - Centennial tennis: eight reconstructed courts are complete; wind screens, signage and benches are coming; staff have a USTA league scheduled to use the facility this fall. - Upper Centennial: upper‑field turf conversion and other items are scheduled (staff are harvesting and reusing turf where possible); the restroom at the tennis courts is planned for November delivery. - Sonoma Park: the city closed Sonoma Park temporarily to improve access to a well site, perform repairs and plant pollinator landscaping; public works assisted with sidewalk and utility access work. - Aquatics: filters and plumbing in the large pool are being replaced; an annual pooch‑plunge event drew about 165 dogs and raised funds that support spay/neuter efforts.
Budge also thanked volunteer groups and the Parks Foundation and reminded residents of upcoming events including a volunteer appreciation event on Oct. 25 at Silver Saddle Ranch and the department’s annual Bonanza at Mills Park on Oct. 30.
Ending: Commissioners praised the staff, noted ongoing vandalism investigations related to an arson at John Mankins Park (four arrests reported by the sheriff’s office) and encouraged continued community fundraising for the Sea Hill project.
