Parks staff outline spring events, staffing needs and golf course growth; geese cause concerns

Parks staff outlined multiple spring operations and events at the March 9 meeting, including parade logistics, community runs, seasonal hiring needs and golf-course growth.

Ed Heard, Recreation & Special Events Coordinator, reviewed St. Patrick’s Day plans and a road-closure map for the March 17 parade; he said the map key would be corrected before publication. He also previewed a Color Run 5K/1-mile at Stodden Park expected to begin about 4:00 PM after school, with roughly 250 runners anticipated, and said a job fair at Butte High is scheduled for March 31 to help recruit seasonal staff.

Heard said Ridge Waters Water Park needs equipment replacements (a new pool vacuum and a chlorine pump) and plans lawn renovations and a front-desk redesign to improve traffic flow. Seasonal postings for lifeguards and concessions will follow Finance & Budget and Chief Executive approval; staff estimated a need for about 30–35 lifeguards and about 9–10 concessions workers. Heard noted some applicants cannot pass deep-water training, which limits assignments.

Keith Ogolin and Ed Heard recapped Highland View’s Ice Breaker tournament (30 two-man teams, 18 holes, four flights) and said course memberships rose to 71 from 49 a year earlier. Ogolin reported ropes have helped protect greens from geese but staff scheduled a call with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to discuss additional mitigation options.

Staff also noted two new AEDs for parks — one at the golf course and a traveling unit for events — and that tennis nets are installed ahead of high-school practice.