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Parks director outlines operations, revenue and 2026 capital priorities
Summary
Parks & Public Works Director Dave Cosgrove gave a department overview and flagged 2026 capital priorities including electric mower purchases, battery storage, a proposed electrification shed and modest truck and sidewalk projects. He said parks generate significant revenue that offsets operations.
Dave Cosgrove, the town's parks and public works director, gave trustees a broad operations briefing and a short PowerPoint outlining facilities, staffing and recent projects. He told the board that Lyons manages roughly 90 acres of developed parks, about 100 acres of open space and more than 11 miles of roadway, supported by seven full‑time maintenance staff and seasonal hires to cover busy summer months. "Last year, [Laverne & Johnson Park] generated just over $340,000 in revenue for the parks department," Cosgrove said, noting parking and campground fees help offset maintenance costs.
Cosgrove described recent equipment moves the department has made to comply with state requirements and cut operating costs, including purchases of electric mowers partly paid through rebates. He said the town spent about $25,000 this year on smaller electric equipment to meet a state mandate and has bought larger ride‑on electric mowers with partial grant support. Cosgrove also warned that lithium‑ion battery storage and safe charging infrastructure are imminent budget items: "storage is going to be the next thing," he said, recommending fire‑rated cabinets and examining whether the town has the power capacity to charge multiple units safely.
