Recreation Commission: Over $250,000 Spent on Hurricane Helene Repairs; FEMA Reimbursement Pending

Parks & Recreation Director Charlie Goens told the Recreation Commission on July 21 that "Over a quarter of a million dollars has already been spent on repairs," and that the city must complete repairs before FEMA will reimburse those costs. The city is actively working to secure reimbursement.

Goens provided an itemized update on multiple facilities. At Veteran’s Field, crews have cut and laser‑graded new fields, restored electricity and water, and opened bathrooms and concession stands; a local baseball team has volunteered to install concrete pads and staff are looking into installing scoreboards. The New River Sports Complex remains in poor condition, with electricity still out, fencing needing replacement, a parking lot that requires grading and fields that need laser grading.

Staff are obtaining quotes to repair the dog park and have been bush‑hogging to control growth. Goens said the community garden’s fencing must be replaced but noted that the fencing is owned by the Water Authority. At Bisset Park, electricity has been restored to three shelters and bathrooms; lights are on motion sensors and staff are evaluating putting outlets on timers. Riverview Park’s football field also needs restoration and new goals, though the city is continuing routine mowing.

The commission did not take formal action on the repair items at this meeting. Goens said the city will pursue FEMA reimbursement once repairs meet the agency’s requirements and will continue to update the commission as work proceeds.