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Parks and Recreation ask for maintenance, security and forestry staff to sustain rec centers and restore tree canopy
Summary
Parks, Recreation and Forestry leaders told the committee that most operating budgets are static but pressing maintenance needs and rec center security remain unfunded; Forestry seeks new positions to manage post-tornado debris and plant a multi-year tree-replacement program.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry presented a set of largely static operating budgets but highlighted key gaps for FY27: building maintenance for aging rec centers, rec center security staffing, and tree-canopy recovery after the tornado.
Director Greg Hayes said the department is largely satisfied with the allocations but flagged the lack of funding for rec-center security. "We asked for $250,000 in rec center security funds and were provided no funds," Hayes said, noting the absence of park rangers at seven rec centers and highlighting a continuing public-safety concern for centers with high attendance.
Parks Commissioner Kim Haegley said her general-revenue budget is about $12.2 million and that an additional regional-park contract award will free staff to focus on neighborhood parks; she also reported vacancies for utility and maintenance workers and said limited-term seasonal hiring is being used as a feeder for permanent positions.
Forestry Commissioner Alan Jankowski described five new positions (two heavy-equipment operators, construction equipment operators and a systems analyst) to support vacant-lot cutting and debris operations; he reiterated the department's plan to replace lost canopy on a 3:1 basis after the tornado (he estimated roughly 5,000 trees lost, with a goal to plant ~15,000). Jankowski explained the process for hazardous-tree removal on private property and noted some tornado-recovery funds have been used to assist private owners.
Brightside St. Louis and Soulard Market managers reported static operational budgets: Brightside (graffiti removal) is CDBG-funded and fully staffed for the season; Soulard Market operates with a small staff and has benefited from recent capital investment for tuckpointing and roofing but uses private security on peak days.
What's next: Committee members asked for more detailed cost estimates for rec-center maintenance and a prioritized capital schedule; parks leadership said they will share asset-by-asset needs and work with the capital committee on potential funding paths.
