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Parks director outlines pool, multiplex and security plans as FY27 priorities
Summary
Parks & Recreation told council it added EV chargers, restored multiple parks and saw visitor increases; for FY27 the department asked to invest in protecting assets (park cameras with police), pursue a pool design, and begin a multiplex rec center plan while seeking grant support for programming and transportation.
Director Pinkett told the City Council that Parks & Recreation invested heavily during FY26 in park improvements across wards — including new playground equipment at Colonial Hills, full restoration of Victory Park on the City Hall lawn, a restored Grayson baseball field and near‑completion of Ranch and Park — and reported higher visitor counts at Jefferson Recreation Center and across city parks. The department also installed electric vehicle chargers at major parks.
What’s planned for FY27: Pinkett said the department’s priorities shift from construction to protecting the newly improved park assets. She asked the council to consider capital funding for strategically placed security cameras in coordination with the police department and reiterated a request for funds to begin a pool design (three candidate sites identified) and planning for a multiplex recreation center. For vandalism repairs the department described a two‑tier need: an ongoing operational repair budget (~$25,000) to cover day‑to‑day fixes and a separate capital requirement for camera systems and higher‑tech deterrents.
Council discussion: Council members asked about specifics — park lighting, timing for Microsoft Park and Commerce Park designs, the split between janitorial/city bills and professional services, and how the department measures success. Pinkett said success is measured both by participation metrics (registrations and repeat users) and softer community feedback; he also said the department tracks visitors with AI technologies installed at facilities.
Next steps: The director requested that council consider funding both operational and capital lines (maintenance, professional fees for design and new security equipment) and to support grant‑seeking for major projects like the pool and multiplex.
