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Park authority presents repair needs and splash‑pad costs; supervisors give consensus to extend interim manager
Summary
At a joint meeting, the Washington County Park Authority described maintenance backlogs, a broken campground gate and incomplete splash‑pad equipment; interim manager Kevin Hill estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars would be needed to finish work and the boards gave consensus to extend Hill’s interim role while staff pursues options.
The Washington County Board of Supervisors and the Washington County Park Authority met jointly Oct. 14 for an extended discussion of park operations, maintenance needs and long‑term governance.
Kevin Hill, who has served as interim manager for the park authority, reviewed an eight‑week assessment that documented multiple operational problems: an inoperative sliding gate (a failed transformer on an electric opener that is still under warranty), an apparent water leak in the campground manager’s residence, non‑ADA restroom configurations and incomplete “splash‑pad” components. Hill said the park had purchased many parts but lacked an 8‑horsepower pump, filtration and chemical injection systems required to operate a compliant splash pad and estimated the cost to finish the project in the low‑to‑mid six figures. He said earlier turnkey estimates ran around $160,000–$170,000 for installation of purchased parts, and full completion including building, insulation and electric service could push the total to roughly $220,000–$275,000.
Hill also identified surplussable equipment and a boat that is not serviceable, buoy replacement needs, overgrown athletic fields and restroom repairs that may be achievable for modest sums. Park and county board members discussed revenue limitations — camping fees and shelter rentals currently underperform — and possible options including reassigning mowing/grounds work to general services, pursuing grants and rethinking the park authority’s administrative model (retain as an authority vs. merging with county parks and recreation).
By consensus the two bodies agreed to seek short‑term continuity in management: supervisors indicated support for extending Hill’s assignment for a limited period while staff advertise for a permanent manager, finalize budgets and pursue grant opportunities. The joint meeting concluded with a direction for staff to present a year‑one/year‑two plan outlining priorities (hiring, immediate repairs, and a longer term model for parks and outdoor recreation).
