Parks and Recreation staff delivered the department report at the Nov. 4 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board special session, summarizing events, maintenance and outreach.

Staff reported that the Oct. 25 Spooktacular drew about 4,000 people and praised staff for the event execution. The board heard that Town Council approved recommended fee increases on Oct. 15; staff said those changes will take effect Jan. 1 after internal system updates.

On Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, staff described two volunteer Russian thistle removal events (37 and 40 volunteers) that cleared a driving-range area and announced one more pull scheduled for Nov. 12 at 8 a.m. Staff said consultants are continuing design work on a desert ecosystem restoration project and staff are finalizing standards for adjacent homeowners. A donated home is being readied for sale once a realtor is selected.

Narona Park seating has been completed and fields are open. Staff explained they are resting half of the dog-park areas (temporary fencing) and warned that overseeded fields will show seasonal browning; the splash pad has been turned off for the season and will reopen April 1. Eight new trees were planted at the archery range.

Staff listed upcoming events: a concert at Steam Pump, Second Saturdays and Farmers Market, an archery range ribbon cutting on Nov. 19 (RSVP requested), a movie on the lawn Dec. 6 (showing Elf), and a community event Dec. 18. Staff also noted the Hot Cocoa 5K on Jan. 1, whose proceeds support the department scholarship program; scholarship aid of $300 per year is available to applicants who document need.