Slinger parks: fall plantings, strong event turnout and plan update delayed until budget approval

Parks Supervisor Josh Feller told the board on Nov. 3 that crews planted the final three trees of the fall cycle and installed 24 street trees in the Farmstead Creek subdivision, bringing that neighborhood near completion. Feller said staff plan a larger planting in spring and will rent a lift in December to begin pruning work.

Recreation Supervisor Elizabeth Van Maanen said the October Trails & Cheers event drew 115 hikers and reported the Trail of Treats at Breuer Park "had over 350 kids," far exceeding the department’s expectation of 200. She said basketball programs and open gyms have started and that the Winter/Spring 2026 Activity Guide will be published in December. Van Maanen also announced the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:45 p.m. at Community Park.

Director Tony Dobson summarized the Park and Open Space Plan update and said adding a trail design for the Arboretum would cost $1,600, raising the plan total to $22,100. Dobson said staff will delay signing the contract until the Village Board adopts the 2026 budget and that, if approved, he hopes to resume work on the updated plan in January 2026. Supervisor Feller also told the board seasonal park restrooms will be closing that week and the board briefly discussed participating in Bird City USA and potential birdhouse projects for 2026.

These operational details reflect routine seasonal maintenance and programming; the Park and Open Space Plan change requires budget approval before staff signs the contract to proceed.