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Erie staff propose three full‑time parks positions to support new parks plan
Summary
City staff proposed adding three full-time equivalent positions in parks to implement recommendations from a parks, recreation and open spaces study (consultant-estimated seasonal-equivalent FTE 13.9); councilors asked about community engagement and inclusion of nearby housing authority residents.
Erie staff told council the proposed 2026 budget for the Bureau of Parks and Recreation includes a request to add three full‑time equivalent positions, increasing the office from 12 to 15 FTEs to support implementation of a parks, recreation and open spaces (RPOS) plan.
S2 said the consultant produced a comparison showing a seasonal-equivalent FTE of 13.9 for communities of similar size and recommended increasing full‑time staffing. “We’re asking for 3 FTEs, to try to just improve our park system and bring us up a little bit,” S2 said.
Councilors pressed for specifics about how new positions would change services. S2 said about 50 parks are maintained across east and west sides of the city and that parks staff also mow boulevards and maintain playgrounds, fences and support for special events; hiring would allow staff to begin implementation earlier when the plan finalizes (staff expects finalization early 2026). Council members also urged that stakeholders such as the Erie Housing Authority be included in planning for parks adjacent to public housing.
Staff noted some ARP funds have been earmarked for parks work; no specific capital projects for Roger (Robert) Young Park were presented at this meeting. No formal vote was taken.
