Parks superintendent reports heavy storm cleanup: crews averaged about 25,000 pounds of debris per day during first week

Cody Connor, the city’s new parks superintendent, briefed the council on ongoing storm cleanup and parks work, saying his 10-person crew is split between mowing and debris removal. Connor said debris collection averaged about 25,000 pounds per day during the first week of the cleanup and that totals remained steady as crews worked through heavily impacted neighborhoods.

Connor credited interdepartmental assistance — street and utility departments — and outside help, including a two-day loan of a county dump truck from Pittsburg County District 3. He said the parks department is progressing on an urban-forestry grant that will fund planting about 50 trees at Mullins Park, with spring planting (rather than November) preferred for young trees. Mullins Park also received a new splash pad and playground; Connor suggested adding a closer restroom to improve access for families.

Connor described the department’s broader duties beyond mowing (carpentry, equipment operation and fabrication for seasonal displays) and noted the department’s loss of some trees in the recent storm, with later replacements planned where appropriate. He said the department historically used inmate crews but that COVID-era changes made that option less feasible; county inmate crews did help on some outer roads, Connor said.

Council members thanked the parks crew for their work and asked questions about inmate crews and planting timelines. Connor said plans for the urban-forestry grant will proceed with spring planting and drip-line irrigation work included.