Parks staff report hiring and maintenance updates, tree plantings and zoo projects

Parks and Recreation staff updated commissioners on hiring, maintenance and capital projects. Staff said they are recruiting for summer positions at the aquatic center, including T‑ball instructors, assistants and a water aerobics instructor, and that local training efforts are aimed at helping residents obtain seasonal work with the department.

Staff reported the ice pond is scheduled to close Feb. 15, winter leagues and volleyball programs are wrapping up, and pickleball programming runs through April 13 at East Junior High. Staff also described winter maintenance (snow and ice removal), animal enrichment work at the zoo, and removal of Christmas decorations in late January.

Field staff noted they ordered 37 trees for a gravel bed nursery and are working on a signed informational project at the zoo in collaboration with an outside reserve; staff said volunteers and local students have assisted with tasks such as repairing picking tables. A commissioner asked about donations signage/kiosks for benches; staff said kiosks are pending installation and that they had reached out to a local Boy Scouts group about bench projects.

Members briefly reviewed the bills list and asked about small purchases (for example, a $79.90 Christmas decoration and parts to repair an electrical box); staff explained the United Rentals lift used at Whittier View was covered by a Wood County grant. A motion to approve the bills was made and passed by voice vote.

The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn.