Council amends park board code and creates park volunteer program

The Winston City Council adopted Ordinance 26-7-24 on June 1, amending municipal code Chapter 93 to change the regulatory structure for the park board and to establish a park volunteer program.

Staff said the amendment responds to ongoing maintenance and safety issues at parks — including the recent removal of Riverbend Park playground equipment after staff found parts had exceeded safety thresholds — and is intended to enable volunteers to fundraise and operate with fewer procedural constraints. A requested change to remove a requirement for two ex officio staff approvals before advancing items to the council was incorporated before the second reading.

The ordinance passed on second reading. Staff noted the ordinance would run the statutory appeal period (30 days) before the volunteer program would be implemented and encouraged community participation in future park funding and volunteer efforts.

Public works staff confirmed the playground equipment had been removed and identified additional tree work needed at Riverbend Park; council and staff discussed replacement funding options and next steps for playground restoration.