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Creswell resident urges more recreation; facilities director details maintenance challenges
Summary
At the Aug. 5 Washington County commissioners meeting, a Creswell resident urged the county to add a playground and walking area. Facilities Director Ricky Young described a five-person crew that handles most repairs, outlined water intrusion in the IT office, and said elevator service may take 8–10 months due to paperwork.
A Creswell resident told the Washington County Board of Commissioners Aug. 5 that the county should provide more recreation for children in Creswell, specifically requesting a playground and a walking area.
Wayne Rodgers, of 1661 Davenport Forks Road, told the Board that "a playground is needed and a walking area is needed," urging the county to give more consideration to children in his part of the county during the public forum.
Facilities Director Ricky Young gave a departmental update describing completed work and upcoming projects. Young said his team of five tries to handle most repairs without outside contractors. When Commissioner John C. Spruill asked whether he calls in contractors often, Young replied, "No." He told commissioners his staff has saved the county money by handling work in-house.
Young told the Board he is addressing water infiltration into the IT office that appears to come through the foundation and said fixing it would require tearing down a wall; he is soliciting quotes from three contractors. He also said the elevator project is delayed by paperwork and that he expects it could be 8–10 months before the elevator is operational, at which time court functions may need relocation during work. Potter and other commissioners praised Young for creating additional maintenance shop space under the Strader Building and for the IT office remodel.
Other operational updates during the meeting included a report from Assistant County Manager Jason Squires and NCACC Project Coordinator Kelly Chesson on construction and economic development priorities; Chesson noted a potential 30-day delay from contractor Metcon and discussion about school-held funds for furniture. County Manager Curtis S. Potter said National Night Out was moved to the high school gym and warned that Tropical Storm 'Debby' could bring 8–10 inches of rain to the county.
Commissioner questions and staff responses noted limits on measuring hydrant water use during line blowouts and that the Water Department's routine cleanouts can cause apparent spikes in usage. The Board did not take action on the recreation request during the public forum; the request was recorded for future consideration.
What’s next
Facilities follow-up items include collecting contractor quotes for the IT office foundation work and processing paperwork required for the elevator repair; any capital or maintenance funding will be subject to the Board’s budget process.
