Beavercreek parks report: $400,000 in reductions force program and maintenance cuts, senior center hours trimmed

Zach, parks and recreation staff, told the Park, Recreation and Culture Board that the department reduced capital spending by $242,000 in 2025 and that the 2026 budget reflects about $150,000 in additional reductions, for roughly $400,000 total, or about 13% of the division's expenditures. Zach said the shortfall stems from two failed levies — a 1.93‑mill levy in 2023 that included funding for Spring House Park and a smaller 0.49‑mill levy in November 2024 intended for ongoing operations and capital — and that those results required deferrals and operational changes.

The cuts have tangible consequences, staff said. Zach said the department deferred playground replacement at Dominic Lafino Park (a playground he described as nearly 24 years old), delayed some ADA upgrades, postponed replacement of two large mowers and a dump trailer, and…