Parks & Recreation details Momentum Bike Park use, new splash park and ice-ribbon center; council raises safety, parking and staffing questions

Paul Bloomberg, speaking for the Parks & Recreation Department, gave a broad update to the Joplin City Council on facilities, staffing and capital projects, saying the department oversees about 1,000 acres of parkland, 17 miles of trails and dozens of amenities and that several major projects are moving forward.

Bloomberg said momentum for the recently opened Momentum Bike Park (formerly Dover Outdoor) has been strong; he reported the park has seen roughly 50,000 visitors since it opened in November and that staff are identifying maintenance and small amenity additions. He said some areas briefly closed after a heavy rain event but the engineered drainage largely performed well.

On projects, Bloomberg said the Robinson Gray Meeks Family Splash Park and Ice Ribbon Center is now expected to open in mid‑October (pushed from mid‑September) because of supply‑chain delays for materials. He told council the Grand Falls Trail will go out to bid in June and that bridge work is expected soon.

Bloomberg highlighted operational details: the parks division has about 15 full‑time staff and 15–20 seasonals, the recreation division has four full‑time staff who manage about 175 seasonal employees (notably roughly 120 lifeguards in training), and the department recently increased lifeguard pay to improve recruitment and retention. He said Cunningham Family Game Area and two new professional sand‑volleyball courts are complete and that several athletic infields are being turfed now.

Council members raised safety and operational questions. Councilmember Mr. Koppel flagged riders jumping from the pump track into a walking area and said it created "major safety concerns." Bloomberg said the department will address the access point by either extending the split‑rail fence or placing large boulders to prevent the access.

Councilmember Mr. Bard asked about activity at Becker and the Outlaws; Bloomberg said the issue is between Parkwood Tournaments and the team (Mike Greninger), that team ownership has changed multiple times and that staff have met with involved parties to stay informed. Mr. Jackson asked about previously discussed golf discounts for employees and veterans; Bloomberg and staff said they expect to place that item on the next regular council meeting agenda.

Bloomberg also described new security lighting at Landrick Park (lights ramp from a low to full setting as people pass) and said TEC and Joplin Industrial Electric are coordinating camera wiring and installation; he reported roughly 30 of 77 lights are installed. He described expanded parking options for large events (a 300–350‑space Green Lot, an additional East Side 300‑space area and potential use of a recycling center parking area with shuttle service).

The informal session ended with council thanks and a recess until 6:00 p.m.

"This park is amazing," Bloomberg said of Momentum. "We're gonna be doing some other additions to the park." Councilmember Koppel summarized a safety concern: "So just major safety concerns."