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Parks staff report: Diamond Crest site repairs, trail bid approved, staffing moves and program growth
Summary
Staff updated the committee on months of repairs at Diamond Crest, the Okay Railroad Trail bid release following DNR approval, staffing changes including a restored parks and facilities manager position, and stronger participation in volleyball and some senior center grant increases.
During the staff report the Parks and Recreation staff member summarized several ongoing operations and program matters.
Diamond Crest parking lot and splash‑pad area: staff recounted several months of water problems discovered after ground broke in spring, including cracked water lines and splash‑pad leaks that required repeated repairs. Public works assisted to reduce costs by placing large gravel and compaction inhouse; the city expects a contractor to complete geotechnical stabilization and asphalt before winter.
Okay Railroad Trail: staff said the city received notice from the Department of Natural Resources that the grant application and bid packet were approved and that the project had been put out to bid; DNR will likely take additional time to approve the contractor and construction is planned to begin next spring once weather permits.
Staffing and positions: staff announced Mark Fairchild, a two‑year parks employee, departed in August. The parks and facilities manager position was restored to the 2026 budget after being omitted temporarily; the city will post a park maintenance worker position and has posted a crew leader opening previously. Staff said the approved structure will include one parks and facilities manager and three maintenance workers.
Senior center funding and programs: staff said the senior center continues to grow. The city applied for $69,000 in grant funding for 2026; staff noted this year the center received $66,000 and an $8,000 fitness grant. Staff credited senior center staff (Amy) for program growth and said quarterly reporting is current.
Recreation programs and facilities: Recreation staff (Alex) reported volleyball participation rose, soccer participation decreased slightly and basketball registration is in progress; the department is running into gym‑space limits at local schools and is exploring equipment donations, cost‑share with schools or renting other venues. Staff also soft‑launched a sponsorship package and expects a full campaign in November.
Community Awards Banquet: staff previewed the Feb. 26, 2026 banquet at White Iron Ridge, a partnership between the Parks & Recreation Legacy Fund and the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce to honor volunteers and raise funds for parks projects.
Meeting business: the committee approved minutes as amended to add an attendance correction (Shauna) earlier in the agenda. The meeting closed after a brief schedule and survey discussion.
