Parks staff report busy fall: maintenance, Heritage Village Park progress, goats and software plans for community center

Parks Superintendent Brian Spulboda reported Sept. 10 that fall is a busy season for maintenance after heavy rains: crews are mowing natural area trails more frequently, addressing storm‑damaged trees (about 25) and preparing irrigation systems for blowout. He said stump grinding and a subsequent tree‑replacement plan are underway and the crew is managing field and shelter rentals that remain busy through September.

Spulboda said work at Heritage Village Park is progressing: pour‑in‑place rubber surfacing for the playground is in the curing stage and remaining concrete footings for shade structures are being completed. He said the contractor was into the color and final finish work and that a 30‑day cure period was required before the splash pad surface receives final coating and features.

Spulboda also reported the goat grazing at South Valley Park is in its second rotation and remains popular with visitors. On staffing, he said one employee resigned Sept. 26 and the department is recruiting.

Recreation Superintendent Julie Dorshak said the community center will run a fall membership special (reduced enrollment fee Sept. 11–Oct. 10) and that the girls swim team remains a major weekday user of the pool. She said fitness staff offices were remodeled and that the fitness flooring in the activity room will be replaced starting Sept. 29 with work expected to finish by Oct. 5; staff will temporarily relocate equipment and create alternate workout spaces during the work.

Dorshak also said the department is reviewing replacement reservation and facility software and expects a vendor decision in the next 30–60 days; the selected system would improve guest check‑in (QR codes and mobile scanning), activity registration and facility scheduling.