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New McLean County parks director outlines summer staffing, events and campground rules
Summary
Patrick Murphy, the county's new parks director, said the department expects its full summer staffing by May 23, reported robust volunteer interest and multiple events, and noted zero applicants for lifeguard positions; the committee adopted a 14-day continuous-stay cap for Kamala Park.
Patrick Murphy, McLean County’s new director of parks and recreation, gave his first monthly report to the Property Committee on May 5 and outlined plans for the summer season and reservation changes.
Murphy said the parks division expects to have a full complement of recreation staff by May 23, with seasonal hires and returning part-time employees joining the department. He reported “robust interest in volunteerism,” citing 16 volunteers connected to a descendant of SH West who are assisting at SH West Park, and listed upcoming events including a triathlon, an open-water swim and multiple fishing tournaments.
On operations and safety, Murphy said there have been zero applicants for lifeguard positions, so the county will continue to operate the beach as “swim at your own risk” but will provide beach attendants to mitigate hazards such as goose droppings. “We will have full staffing for the beach attendants,” Murphy said, and described attendant duties as light work focused on hazard mitigation.
Murphy also discussed reservation policy changes tied to the newly adopted ordinance capping continuous campground stays at Kamala Park at 14 days within a 30-day period. For reservations 30 days or more in advance, Murphy said the department will ask for full payment up front rather than a small deposit to reduce no-shows and better manage shared recreation resources.
The committee welcomed Murphy’s report and wished the parks team a successful season as events ramp up.
