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Parks staff outline maintenance, staffing and capital updates; Carshot Field playground to get synthetic surface
Summary
Parks staff reported two maintenance hires pending, Christmas tree recycling through Jan. 20, synthetic turf for Carshot Field playground surfacing, construction progress at Ozzie Smith Sports Park and upcoming infrastructure improvements including fiber and mobile-controlled irrigation.
O'Fallon — Parks staff told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Jan. 13 that routine maintenance and several capital projects are moving forward as the department prepares for the 2026 season.
Jeremy Wolfmeyer, speaking for the parks division, said the city is recycling Christmas trees at Sports Park and Westhoff Park through Jan. 20 and has issued two offer letters to fill open full‑time maintenance positions after interviews in early January. “We’ve got 2 offer letters out,” Wolfmeyer said.
Wolfmeyer also described repairs and upgrades across the park system. He said worn playground surfacing at Carshot Field has been removed and will be replaced with synthetic turf designed for playgrounds to better match field surfaces. On construction at Ozzie Smith Sports Park, he said contractors have installed a large access road and retaining work to stage equipment, but crews are monitoring wet ground conditions that could delay concrete pours.
Staff are also preparing temporary fencing as part of the budget; some foul poles have been pulled for repainting; and Sports Park recently received IT cabinet installations in concession buildings in anticipation of forthcoming fiber connections. Wolfmeyer said the fiber will support concession operations, security cameras and locks and will allow the irrigation system to be controlled from mobile devices.
The department has started a six‑year replacement plan for soccer goals tied to the capital improvement program, buying the first set of goals this year. Wolfmeyer said the new movable goals will let staff adjust positioning to even out turf wear. He also announced the promotion of Tyler Finneywall to park maintenance crew leader at Westhoff Park.
Board members asked operational questions. When one asked how many staff hours the holiday lights display required, Wolfmeyer said the total is about 2,400 full‑time park staff hours annually, with year‑to‑year fluctuation. “It’s right around the 2,400 mark that… fluctuates a couple hundred hours each year,” he said.
The board did not take formal votes on park projects at the meeting; staff told members they will continue coordinating project timing and site selection and will provide updates as work progresses.
