Parks director reports event turnout, software rollout, capital projects and a reported illegal tree cutting

Nick Hansen, director of Parks & Recreation for the City of Fremont, and Nate Schwanke, recreation coordinator, presented the department’s activity reports and capital‑project updates at the Jan. 5 board meeting.

Schwanke summarized recent program metrics: the Hormel Haunted Trail drew more than 400 attendees; roughly 60 people participated in pumpkin painting at Clemmons Park; Breakfast with Santa drew over 250 attendees in partnership with Kiwanis and the high‑school Key Club; a three‑day free‑skate program averaged about 300 participants; a two‑day bowling event averaged about 50 participants; and a Zootopia 2 movie showing drew 52 people. Schwanke said Parks & Recreation completed a transition to the CivicRec registration system and will next build a point‑of‑sale system for pool and ballfield fees, finalize summer hiring steps, and adjust the playground program as needed.

Hansen provided facilities updates and small capital items: a new 220‑volt outlet was installed in the auditorium’s main area to support events; Eakes is preparing design layouts and cost estimates for two east‑room offices; motion‑sensor faucets in the auditorium bathrooms will be replaced with metering faucets; all facilities are winterized. He reported Christie(n) Field grading ahead of greenhouse relocation planned for spring, and Van Anda restroom utilities are roughed in with the restroom expected to arrive in March. Hansen said the Friendship Center craft show had about 1,000 attendees and that parks staff finished a new Wildwood parking lot and added signage in Hormel and Wildwood parks.

The director also noted infrastructure work for the proposed amphitheater—D.R. Anderson has placed footing in the ground and the Department of Utilities capped a water main through the park; a flush hydrant was installed. An RFQ for North Downtown Revitalization was awarded to Veenstra and Kimm. Hansen told the board the skate‑park concern raised by citizens is being tracked and that a new skate park is scheduled in the 2030 capital improvement plan.

Hansen reported that two mature cedar trees in Hormel Park were illegally cut; he said police inspected the scene and filed a report. The board was informed Parks & Recreation plans to apply for Tree City USA status. Hansen also noted recent vandalism at the Johnson Park bike trail and Christensen Field and said parks staff are arranging redeployable trail cameras to respond if vandalism recurs.

Board members did not vote on these informational items; staff were directed to follow up on implementation tasks and scheduling. The board’s next meeting is Feb. 2, 2026.