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Parks foreman details tree removals, playground replacements and 2025 park projects
Summary
Parks Foreman Lobitz reported 2024 work including three playground replacements, a new fishing pier and extensive ash tree removals; he outlined 2025 plans to install a bridge at Spring Lake Park, rehabilitate Benson Park trail and increase maintenance time.
Parks Foreman Lobitz told the council the Parks Department operates with about 4.5 full-time employees (a position is shared with Caswell Park) and manages roughly 280 acres of green space, 20 playground structures, 100 acres of natural prairie and about 10 miles of maintained trail. "There are approximately 280 acres of green space that is mowed and trimmed during the summer," Lobitz said, and he described 2024 accomplishments including three playground replacements and a new fishing pier at Spring Lake Park.
Lobitz highlighted a major tree-management effort: the department removed 98 ash trees and contracted removal of 98 additional trees, with 108 trees replanted so far and an estimated 850 ash trees remaining to be removed. He listed seasonal staffing and pool/Caswell Park support as ongoing challenges and said 2025 priorities include installing a new bridge at Spring Lake Park by shelter No. 2, improving neighborhood ballfields and rehabilitating the Benson Park Trail.
