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Radford recreation officials report $250,000-plus in Hurricane Helene repairs, outline remaining work
Summary
Radford’s Parks & Recreation director said more than a quarter-million dollars has been spent on Hurricane Helene repairs; several fields, shelters and parks remain in need of grading, fencing and electrical work while the city pursues FEMA reimbursement.
Mr. Charlie Goens, Radford’s director of Parks & Recreation, told the Recreation Commission on July 21 that "over a quarter of a million dollars has already been spent on repairs" after Hurricane Helene and that the city must complete repairs before FEMA will reimburse expenses. City staff are pursuing reimbursement.
The update detailed damage and progress across city facilities. At Veteran’s Field, new infields have been cut and laser graded, bathrooms and the concession area are back in service, and water and electricity have been restored; the local baseball team has volunteered to pour concrete pads and staff are investigating installation of scoreboards. At the New River Sports Complex, Goens said substantial work remains: electricity is not fully restored, fencing needs replacement, the parking lot requires grading, and fields still need laser grading.
The dog park remains closed pending repairs; staff are obtaining quotes and have been bush‑hogging to control vegetation. The community garden’s fence needs replacement but is owned by the Water Authority, meaning the city is coordinating with that agency on repairs. In Bisset Park, electricity to shelters and bathrooms has been restored and lights are now on motion sensors and timers; staff are exploring putting outlets on timers. Riverview Park’s football field needs restoration and new goals, although the city is keeping the area mowed in the interim.
The commission did not vote on new capital allocations at the meeting. Goens’ update emphasized two near-term fiscal points: the city has incurred significant up-front costs and FEMA reimbursement is contingent on completed repairs.
The commission discussed next steps for each site, including obtaining contractor quotes and pursuing outside funding or volunteer assistance for concrete work and scoreboard procurement. No dates were provided for completion; the commission will continue monitoring repair progress at future meetings.
