Parks department reports staff hires, grant activity and projects; local parks grant application narrowly missed

Parks staff told the commission on Nov. 13 that they have selected a park supervisor, Randy Cable, who is expected to start on the 20th. The department is also wrapping up recruitment for a recreation coordinator and continuing to reassign responsibilities for scheduling and park rentals.

Staff reviewed near-term projects: installation of a city Christmas tree, senior shuttle service procurement targeted for December, ongoing parking improvements at city facilities and completion of a roof project. The Department of Fish & Wildlife will install mussel survey cages off the west side of the harbor for a multi-month environmental assessment.

On grants, staff discussed the DNR Community Forestry Assistance program (award categories about $50,000–$250,000) and other funding streams. They also reported the city narrowly missed a local parks maintenance grant, ranking 41 where awards cut off at 40 in a highly competitive pool; staff said they will continue to pursue RCO grants and reframe requests to the state.

Staff requested volunteers to help review two RFP submittals (pickleball and art plan) and said the department will assign commissioners to community-subcommittee roles as new staff come on board.

Next steps: onboarding for the new park supervisor; staff will continue to pursue multiple grant opportunities and report back on outcomes to the commission.