Parks director urges more greenway investment and outlines July 4 operational tweaks after record crowding

Parks and recreation staff told council the town’s events and sports programs have grown substantially, and asked for capital funding for turf fields, SIms Park infield renovation and additional greenway and wayfinding investments.

Director Jim said youth sports participation and special events have expanded in recent years; he also reported that the town will pursue turf and infield reconstruction at Sims Park and additional parking behind Rockbrook Drive to reduce bottlenecks. Parks staff recommended adding weekend‑focused part‑time maintenance coverage for Harrisburg Park, and requested funds for benches and shade at Harris Depot Park.

Parks flagged a public‑safety and crowd‑management problem at the July 3–4 celebration after last year’s large turnout. Jim presented conceptual changes: a resident pre‑registration or resident priority lane, a non‑resident ticket and QR‑code scanning system, moving the fireworks launch to YMCA property to spread circulation and staged covered‑wagon shuttles to reduce congested exits. He emphasized the changes are conceptual and staff will present a detailed operational plan at the April workshop so council can approve implementation and public outreach.

During public comment, members of the friends of Harrisburg greenways urged the council to fund a dedicated greenway planner on town staff to coordinate design, right‑of‑way and grant applications; they said a single planner would increase the town’s ability to win state and federal trail grants and accelerate projects already approved in the One Harrisburg plan.

Next steps: Parks staff will return with a detailed July 4 operational plan for April; greenways advocates and staff will prepare a job description and cost estimate for a greenway planner to be considered in upcoming budget workshops.