Volunteers urge park maintenance overhaul; Council supports committee concept pending Park Manager input

Wendy Allred presented photographs and a list of maintenance deficiencies at the Town Park, including declining shade trees, tree trunks damaged by lawn mowers and weed trimmers, accumulated weeds, dirt in parking lots and playground equipment cleaning needs. She stressed the concerns were about systems and oversight, not individual staff performance, and described recent volunteer efforts including installing mulch and removing dirt.

Wendy proposed forming a volunteer Park Committee to assist Benjamin, the Park Manager, with defined roles, organized work projects and oversight. She said the proposal would initially use volunteer labor and not increase Town expenses. Volunteers reported about eleven youth currently assisting through the Quality Craft program. Councilmembers and volunteers agreed that improved accountability and clearer communication channels were needed; Council agreed to delay formal changes until Benjamin can participate in the planning and review proposed reporting structures.

Brandon, a volunteer, said he is preparing maintenance checklists with daily, weekly and monthly tasks to monitor park conditions and track deficiencies. The mayor and Council expressed strong support for building a professional management plan and encouraged continued volunteer collaboration in the interim.