Mike Hubbell, the city’s new park superintendent, gave a wide-ranging update on parks operations and capital work at the Nov. 19 meeting and emphasized vandalism as an ongoing cost driver.

Hubbell said crews removed the liner and interior equipment at Grandview Pool and are preparing for larger equipment replacement. He listed recent installations and repairs — a new pendulum swing at Cecil Davis, surfacing at Lewis Kingman, replacement exercise equipment at Metcalfe Park, and LED lighting at the locomotive area — and described coordination with public works and other departments on heavy equipment and drainage at new sites such as Sunbelt Park.

On vandalism, Hubbell provided examples across city parks: repeated graffiti, broken restroom stall doors, bent light poles, smashed decorative lights and removed horseshoe stakes. Staff said these recurring repairs and manpower hours add up quickly and impact capacity for improvement projects. Commissioners asked whether security cameras are planned; staff responded that seven cameras are on order and will be prioritized for parks with the most vandalism, subject to connectivity and infrastructure constraints.

Hubbell also highlighted partnerships: BLM donated 21 trash cans, and multiple volunteer groups participate in Adopt-a-Park to supplement maintenance. The commission acknowledged staff’s work and welcomed Hubbell to the role.