Knoxville parks department reports maintenance, staffing openings and prepares February budget presentation

Knoxville — At a Jan. 12 meeting, the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation department reported routine maintenance work across parks, recreation facilities, the cemetery and city buildings, said the department will present its budget to City Council in February, and noted staffing openings and equipment purchases.

The meeting, called to order at 5:05 p.m., recorded Snodgrass, DeJong, Fuller and Nemmers as in attendance. Minutes were approved on a motion by Fuller, seconded by DeJong, by a 3-0 vote.

The department’s Director outlined park work, saying crews have been trimming trees and bushes ‘‘to help with regrowth and keep branches out of the way of mowers,’’ and that staff handled weekend snow events to restore access to buildings. The Director also said staff ordered spring flowers for city pots and reinstalled windscreens, adding that 10 new windscreens will be placed before the spring tennis season. Seasonal job postings for mowing, trimming and park cleanup were announced.

In recreation operations, the department reported the pool inspection was passed ‘‘with zero violations.’’ The Director said staff are pursuing continuing education and certifications, noting that Jimbob is scheduled to attend CPO training in February. Staff are also collecting batting cage quotes and performing routine facility maintenance. The department renewed an agreement with the American Red Cross for swimming lessons and lifeguard courses and described facility use as ‘‘going strong.’’

On budgeting, the Director said the Parks & Recreation budget will be presented to City Council in February. The department has made cuts to free up funding for higher pay intended to improve staff retention and said it plans to restore those funds on the July 1, 2027 budget cycle.

The cemetery department reported ongoing snow removal, burials and tree trimming, and that staff helped remove the courthouse Christmas tree. A bid has been awarded for a Chevy 3500 one-ton truck; the department is seeking bids for a dump box expected to arrive next month. Seasonal cemetery positions were posted to assist daily operations.

Wellness programming staff said the January fitness schedule added two new time slots and participation has increased; the Wellness Supervisor said a new instructor, Angie Mitchell, will shadow existing instructors while the supervisor recovers from shoulder surgery. Youth programs continue: the K–3 basketball program includes six K–1 teams and two 2–3 teams running through early February, and swim lessons for February and March have limited openings. The swim team will travel for several meets and already has multiple state-qualified swimmers.

The Office Manager reported insurance enrollment issues affecting more than 75 members after an administrative change; staff are helping members update cards and some members may temporarily need to pay out of pocket. Registrations for swim lessons generated a waitlist, and the office handled five after-hours rentals in January.

The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. on a motion by Snodgrass, seconded by DeJong, approved 3-0.

What’s next: the department’s budget presentation to City Council is scheduled for February; equipment purchases and staffing recruitments are ongoing.