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Council reviews parks budget: new position, pool repaint and donor‑funded labyrinth noted
Summary
Parks director briefed council on a proposed fifth full‑time position, shelter repairs, a planned pool repaint for Memorial Day, and a $120,000 labyrinth project funded by a private donor that still appears in city budget accounting.
Park and Recreation Director Bryce outlined several changes to the parks budget for 2026, asking council to approve the creation of a fifth full‑time administrative position to supervise extended pool hours, the skate rink and daytime supervision of the comfort station. Bryce said the change will shift an existing rec operations manager out of the union classification to a park operations role to better compensate increased administrative duties.
Capital work described included $110,000 set aside for shelter roof repairs at Heddesbury Park (asphalt to metal), trail and parking maintenance, $15,000 for in‑house construction to complete ADA compliance tasks and the planned purchase of tool‑cat attachments for field and sidewalk maintenance. Bryce also said the city is budgeting $35,000 to repaint the pool, with work timed to begin around Memorial Day and requiring roughly five days to cure before refilling.
Council and the mayor also noted a $120,000 line under recreation for a labyrinth project; city staff said that project is funded by a private donor and although the donation covers the cost, the expense must still appear in the budget for accounting purposes.
Council approved amendments to the pay ordinance to create the park operations manager and program specialist positions as part of the broader budget actions.
Bryce discussed an expanded fireworks budget tied to the nation's 250th anniversary celebration; he said local business commitments will help the city aim for a larger display while the city's normal budget would cover part of the cost.
