Parks staff report large event turnout, facility upgrades and statewide sustainability award
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Summary
Staff reported strong attendance at recent events, progress on facility repairs and lighting retrofits, an awarded BMX event for April 4, 2026, and that the department won a statewide agency-of-excellence award for sustainability and resiliency.
Parks and Recreation staff updated the Oldsmar advisory board on recent events, capital projects and honors.
Staff estimated that Haunted Happenings and associated activities drew about 3,000 people overall; they said approximately 1,300 people passed through the trick-or-treat stop and roughly 800 people completed the haunted trail on the night of the event. Staff also reported the first Paws and Puddles dog-splash event drew 14 dogs.
On facilities, staff said they issued a purchase order for pier repair work; the vendor will secure permits and order materials and work is expected in December–January. Staff also issued purchase orders for LED sports-lighting retrofits at the Oldsmar Sports Complex and upgrades at Bicentennial Park.
The city was awarded a BMX Gold Cup event to be held April 4, 2026. Staff also said the parks department won the Florida Recreation and Park Association Agency of Excellence award for sustainability and resiliency, citing programs such as invasive-fish roundups, vertical oyster gardens, trail improvements, LED lighting conversions and community workshops on rain barrels and composting.
Staff said they will continue to refine events and programs and will report back as projects progress.