Parks staff says pier repairs saved roughly $150,000; department plans 500 Earth Day trees, fireworks and ribbon-cutting

A parks department staff member reported several capital and program updates: contractors in town allowed the city to replace Menard pier decking and save about $150,000 versus earlier bids; the department rebudgeted funds for ongoing repairs and plans to prioritize playground and shade-structure upgrades.

"We were able to save a $150,000 by utilizing him in town," the staff member said while describing the decision to use an in-town contractor and to upgrade to low-decking material that is more maintenance friendly and lets light through for seagrasses. Staff said the repairs enabled the city to avoid shutting the pier and reduced longer-term maintenance costs.

Staff also said the department will obtain approximately 500 trees for Earth Day plantings, has signed a contract for July fireworks, and will hold a ribbon-cutting at Veterans Park on Monday at 10 a.m. The report included plans to incorporate a community kids garden and to rebudget funds to support future maintenance and playground improvements.

Members asked for volunteers to help at Earth Day and discussed how to publicize department efforts through the city's public-information channels. Staff noted recent property acquisitions intended for future city-center amenities and said they would continue coordinating with historians and other partners on local heritage projects.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the rebudgeting and installation work described, confirm the ribbon-cutting logistics, and coordinate outreach for Earth Day volunteers and tree giveaways.