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Parks official says staffing shortfall is stretching Jacksonville maintenance as summer begins
Summary
Michael Lacquarie, director of facilities, told the Jacksonville Environmental and Appearance Advisory Committee that the parks department has 31 full-time employees, is seeking 21 seasonal hires but has about 13–14 in place, and is prioritizing mowing, watering and field prep while awaiting a city budget vote.
Michael Lacquarie, introduced by the committee chair as director of facilities, told the Jacksonville Environmental and Appearance Advisory Committee that the city’s parks staff is stretched as seasonal activity ramps up.
"We have 31 full time, park employees… We try and bring on 21 seasonal staff members… and I think as of today, we may have had, what, like 13 or 14 maybe," Lacquarie said, urging residents to be patient as crews prioritize field prep, mowing, weeding and watering across the city’s nearly 600 acres of parks.
Why it matters: Lacquarie said the shortfall affects visible maintenance — flowerbeds, turf and playground areas — and can delay repairs. He told the committee the department sometimes needs weekend work and rapid responses depend on residents notifying staff and, when possible, supplying photos to speed diagnostics and fixes.
Lacquarie described several active projects, including new maintenance of the Memorial Gardens and a partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution for an America 250 commemoration at Richard Gray All American Park; staff installed landscaping and will handle ongoing upkeep. He also noted a splash pad at Northeast Creek and other seasonal features that require extra attention.
On budgeting, Lacquarie said parks managers submit monthly full-year estimates and strive for fiscal discipline. "I spend on average about 98 to 99% of my budget," he said, adding he avoids requesting funds he does not expect to use and that the city budget process should be concluded within "the next 2 to 3 weeks," after which the department would move forward on planned work.
Committee members asked about maintenance details such as lighting in pedestrian tunnels and whether the parks department’s memorandum of understanding covered certain areas; Lacquarie said some outlets (electrical repairs) are handled by facilities management but confirmed the parks department now maintains areas inside the garden ditch and will coordinate related work orders.
Lacquarie encouraged residents to report problems via the city’s online reporting tool and to include photos: "Take the picture too because the picture can say a whole lot more… and we'll be able to then, you know, I can take that." He also thanked staff for their efforts and said the department will continue to update the committee later in the summer.
The committee did not take any formal votes because it lacked a quorum. The next meeting was set for Aug. 6.
