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Parks department outlines resurfacing, restrooms, boat-ramp work and seasonal aquatics numbers
Summary
Staff presented a list of minor park improvements including Adventure Cove resurfacing, boat-ramp extensions that will require matching grants, restroom replacements, playground and splash-pad repairs, and reported aquatics and seniors program participation.
Staff presented an itemized list of approved minor improvements and operations updates for parks, aquatics and senior services, saying the work will be staged over the coming year and in some cases rely on grant matches.
Leslie (parks staff) said the minor-improvement list finalized Aug. 14 includes resurfacing Adventure Cove’s zero-depth pool, planning and pursuing matching grants to extend the Northwest and Southeast boat ramps at Fort Phantom, and replacing a restroom at Kirby Lake. "The Adventure Cove resurfacing, that is for the 0 depth pool," Leslie said.
Leslie said boat-ramp extensions are being planned to reach lake levels last seen about 2016 so boaters can launch even if water levels fall; the ramp work will follow a multi-year Parks and Wildlife grant process that funds design first and construction later. She also said the city will pursue grants to offset costs but must keep matching funds on hand.
On restrooms and playgrounds, staff said Rose Park and Kirby Lake restrooms are slated for replacement and Nelson Park’s playground and splash pad will be addressed; Nelson’s splash pad was originally funded as part of a 2011 campaign and built in 2012 and now needs repairs. Leslie told the board the Rose Park restroom replacement is limited by existing utilities on site, which reduces infrastructure costs compared with installing a restroom at an undeveloped park.
Chris Gibson, assistant director of parks and recreation, reported on aquatics: July’s average daily pool count was 367.8 with a total guest count of 11,404 for the month. He said water-walker sessions for seniors were popular and the aquatics season ends Labor Day with shorter hours. He also said Nelson splash pad remains closed while staff await parts and electrical work.
Jesus Coronado, parks division manager, updated field and grounds work: crews completed sidewalk repairs near city hall, rerouted irrigation at Nelson ball fields and have begun phase two of Cobb Park pavilion renovation after removing an old restroom and replacing the roof. Coronado noted heavy summer rains kept crews active on mowing and flower-bed maintenance.
Anne Hall, seniors division manager, said the water-walker program drew 606 seniors in July. Hall described new senior programming including a gardening club and a rock-painting session; she also said Abilene therapy dogs will visit the senior center on Aug. 26 for National Dog Day.
Board members asked clarifying questions about costs and whether grant funds and FY26 budget amounts would cover projects. Leslie noted the city’s fiscal year 2026 begins Oct. 1 and that the city allocated $200,000 in FY26 for league grants and other minor-improvement funding. Staff said some projects will use that FY26 funding and some will rely on outside matching grants.
No formal votes were taken on the individual project items during the meeting; the list was presented as the parks department’s planned work for the coming year.
