Longwood staff outlines parks upgrades, tree fund planting and new public displays

Staff member (speaker 4) provided a detailed parks and facilities report to the Parks & Recreation advisory board, outlining several completed and upcoming projects across Longwood parks.

Staff said crews used a Kubota to remove rocks from a stream bed to improve stormwater flow and that the skate-park repairs at Candyland are complete, with the new concrete skate features expected to be durable. ‘‘The entire basketball court was asphalted over ... it’s got another week or two to cure, then we’ll be able to put lines on it,’’ staff said, describing surfacing and playground-deck repairs funded through available project money.

The board heard that the tree fund will support replanting within the historic district. Staff emphasized the tree fund is not drawn from the city’s general fund and is targeted to restore canopy lost to disease; earlier hazardous-tree removals were cited as a roughly $30,000 project. Members asked about ongoing trimming responsibilities and timing; staff said public works will handle mowing and contractors will trim as scheduled.

Staff also described a technology project at Ryder Park: coordinating with the sheriff’s department for Wi‑Fi access and identifying a weather-protective enclosure for a planned 75-inch display that will show event advertisements and emergency messages. Staff said electrical work and a final equipment protector remain to be completed before activation.

Other staff updates included summer-camp signups (strong online demand), active recruitment to fill a parks position, and final inspection steps with the utility provider (Duke) to activate new lighting at the skate park.

Staff committed to providing implementation schedules and follow-up updates at the next meeting.