City parks staff provided a director’s update summarizing recent events, volunteer programs and park-construction updates.

Staff highlighted volunteer and service opportunities (Trail Friends guided walks and MLK Day cleanups) and new community programming. The department summarized Deutsch and Fest metrics: roughly 9,800 total visitors, increased unique visitors and vendor satisfaction scores; staff said they will pursue curated Texas‑German vendor outreach and make operational adjustments (EVOC location, additional water stations for the fun run) for next year.

On capital projects, staff said 1849 Park is approaching substantial completion (anticipated late January for construction punch-list and a grand opening in March after turf establishment). Murchison Park (bond-funded replacement/connectivity work) is complete with minor punch-list items and finishing landscape establishment; Kelly Lane Park construction is underway. For Gilliland Creek improvements, staff detailed a FEMA review and a raised boardwalk to protect the 'Big Shady' tree root system while improving ADA access.

Staff also noted awards (regional conservation and park-design recognitions for department projects) and encouraged commissioners to take volunteer kits for trail cleanups. No formal decisions were required; staff will return with implementation timelines, event after-action items and any budget requests associated with the capital projects.