City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation reports staff, program and budget updates ahead of February council presentation

City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation reported operational updates, staffing openings and program activity at a Jan. 12 meeting where department leaders said they will present the department’s budget to City Council in February.

The department director told the meeting crews have been trimming trees and shrubs to aid regrowth and mower access, responded to weekend snow events to ensure building access, and will order spring flowers for city planters. The director said 10 replacement windscreens will be installed ahead of the spring tennis season and that seasonal job postings for mowing, trimming and park cleanup will be posted.

On recreation operations, the director said the city pool passed inspection with zero violations and that staff will attend continuing-education and Certified Pool Operator courses in February; the director identified a staff member, Jimbob, as scheduled to pursue a CPO. The department renewed an agreement with the Red Cross for swim lessons and lifeguard courses and reported strong facility use. The director said budget cuts were made to free funds for higher pay aimed at improving retention and that the department plans to restore those funds as part of the next fiscal cycle, targeting July 1, 2027, for restoring the pay lines. The department will present its budget to City Council in February.

Cemetery staff have continued routine work including snow removal, burials and tree trimming; staff assisted with taking down the courthouse Christmas tree. The department awarded a bid for a Chevy 3500 one-ton truck and said it is seeking bids for a dump box expected next month. Seasonal cemetery positions have been posted.

Program and wellness staff reported programming details: the wellness supervisor said two new fitness time slots added in January have been well received and that a new instructor, Angie Mitchell, has been hired to shadow other instructors. The program supervisor outlined youth basketball team rosters for K–3 leagues, said February–March swim lesson registrations have limited space in higher levels, and reported that the swim team will travel to meets in Boone, Perry and Grinnell, with several swimmers already qualified for state competition.

The office manager reported an administrative issue in which more than 75 membership accounts showed no active coverage in the system; staff are assisting members to update insurance cards and the office recorded a price increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. The manager also said swim lessons have a waitlist and the department has five after-hours rentals scheduled in January.

The meeting opened at 5:05 p.m. and adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Meeting minutes were approved earlier in the session (vote recorded 3-0).