Park projects, programs and trainer enforcement updated; splash pad replacement and West Preserve progress reported

City staff provided a range of updates on parks programming, safety training, field-use enforcement and capital projects at the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

Adele Trezino, special events coordinator, reported increased attendance at several events: the farmers market rose from 3,720 to 6,550 year-over-year, Family Fun Fest from about 15,000 to 21,000, and the car-show farmers market from roughly 3,315 to nearly 9,000 attendees (she noted some counts are from a third-party vendor and that ticket-sales figures may be approximate). Trezino also reviewed upcoming events including the Wildflowers Tom Petty tribute band on April 10, a craft/business expo April 12 and the environmental expo and plant show April 26. She said the egg-extravaganza had about 550 registered Parkland residents "give or take 5."

Corey Keane, recreation coordinator at the P Rec Center, outlined program timing (winter session ending March 15, spring registration March 9, classes April 6–May 31) and new specialty half-day camps, tutors and contractor-led offerings for spring and summer. Ryan Mariano, athletics manager, provided league participation numbers and announced free AED informational sessions on March 24 and March 25 at the P Rec (06:30–07:30 each night). He described trainer registration: contracted trainers must register annually, display a dated badge proving background check and insurance, and the ranger team will check badges and ask unauthorized trainers to leave.

Board members raised enforcement concerns about private trainers who operate on city fields without registration or appear to be associated with existing teams (which can create a perceived loophole). Staff said ranger patrols have removed unauthorized trainers and that signage exists at problem fields; staff encouraged residents to report suspected unauthorized activity to the ranger line to help enforcement.

On capital projects, Christine Garcia, senior director of operational services and projects, said West Preserve Park is moving toward substantial completion by November (weather permitting). The pickleball-court covers and Musco sports lighting have been installed, boardwalk construction is underway and Cove Bridge Park is completed and open. Tamar Park expanded parking is out to bid (bid closing March 12) with anticipated commission approval in May and construction slated for the summer to avoid peak sports season. Pine Trails Park bleacher/shade canopy bids are out for FY26 with construction timing intended to follow the basketball season, and Liberty Park splash-pad replacement is now scoped for a full system replacement with design quotes being obtained; playground installation at Terramar is expected to take six to eight weeks once started (staff said mid-April as a target window for the start).

Board members asked about materials (picnic tables at the equestrian center will remain wood for aesthetic reasons) and about the preserved status of a wooded area east of Liberty Park; staff confirmed that parcel is a preserve and not eligible for active-field development though passive trails and seating could be considered in future strategic planning.

Staff also reminded the board of upcoming meetings and retreats: commission meetings March 18 and April 15 (workshop 4 p.m., meeting 6 p.m.) and a strategic planning retreat on April 6 at the library. The board adjourned after routine old-business items.

Ending note: staff will return with design details for the splash pad and with final bid/contract paperwork for the projects that advance to construction.