Public Works director highlights parks grants, accessible-playground plan and announces retirement

Public Works Director Russ Cooper told the Monmouth City Council on Jan. 6 that the parks and recreation board will continue its small recreation-grant program and is beginning a community-driven process to plan an all-ages accessible playground at Monmouth Recreation Park.

Cooper said the board awarded six recreation grants this past year — up to $1,000 each — to local activities including a Juneteenth celebration, a farmers-market reading program, Music in the Park, the city’s Pride celebration, a foam party and outdoor yoga series. "We’ve made some changes and let’s see how that plays out this year," Cooper said, describing the grants as a way to expand park use and community engagement.

Asked about timing for an accessible playground, Cooper said the design-and-outreach phase would likely take about a year and that construction could take another year after funding is identified. "I foresee at least a year-long process of identifying … equipment and getting public feedback," he said, adding that the city would seek grants and other funding once officials have a cost estimate.

Cooper also reviewed recent park maintenance work and projects: the parks board’s annual tour identified and removed several dead or unhealthy trees, staff repaired a plugged drinking fountain and crews addressed hazardous trees near playgrounds. He said the contractor for a bathroom and picnic pavilion at Monmouth Recreation Park is expected to begin work within a month, while boardwalk work that crosses wetlands will wait until late spring; staff aim to have the listed improvements finished before the end of June.

In an emotional moment for the council, Cooper announced his planned retirement. "As of March 31st I will be retiring from the city," he said, reflecting on 36 years of service and thanking colleagues and volunteers. Council members responded with appreciation for his years of work and for projects he helped advance.

Jane Greg, the parks board’s newest appointee, said she is "happy to be a member of the board and involved with the city of Monmouth," and invited questions. Councillors suggested additional engagement tactics — joint tours with the tree board to identify planting sites before Arbor Day and town-hall-style discussions to solicit design input for the accessible playground.

Next steps: staff will continue board outreach, refine cost estimates for the accessible-playground concepts and return to council with budget options and potential grant opportunities.