Parks department seeks funds for relocated art center, AED pilot and staffing changes
March 06, 2026 | Legislative Budget Hearings, Knoxville City, Knox County, Tennessee
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Parks and Recreation presented multiple operating requests on Tuesday, including funds to outfit an art center relocation, a safety‑focused AED pilot and personnel adjustments to address seasonal staffing shortfalls.
Cheryl Elely, director of Parks and Recreation, said the department plans to move the city art center into space in Western Heights in partnership with KCDC and asked for one‑time operating funds for interior furniture and kilns so the facility can open as early as this fall. “We will at least have the money by July if we get it on the budget,” Elely said, noting the existing lease at the current facility expires Oct. 31.
Staff also proposed a pilot to place externally accessible, secured AED cabinets at larger parks so bystanders could initiate life‑saving aid before first responders arrive. Options under review include units with 911‑activated access codes or leased equipment to limit upfront procurement costs.
On personnel and operations, Parks recommended outsourcing some field maintenance and tennis staffing via contracts (estimated up to $100,000) and requested conversion of six permanent part‑time (30‑hour) positions to 40‑hour full‑time status to address leave and benefit inequities. The department additionally asked for a $250,000 boost to athletics/seasonal payroll to make pay more competitive for lifeguards, referees and after‑school staff.
Elely also asked council to consider restoring a safety coordinator role that was authorized but never filled and to approve an outreach coordinator to manage reservations and strengthen outreach; staff said the park master plan is on the council agenda and that adoption will make the city more competitive for RTP and other federal grants.
Why it matters: The combined requests aim to improve park safety, expand access to arts facilities in a lower‑income neighborhood and address staff recruitment and retention in seasonal programs. Councilmembers praised the parks team and asked for follow‑up on master‑plan timing and grant strategies.
No formal budget votes were taken during the hearing.
Cheryl Elely, director of Parks and Recreation, said the department plans to move the city art center into space in Western Heights in partnership with KCDC and asked for one‑time operating funds for interior furniture and kilns so the facility can open as early as this fall. “We will at least have the money by July if we get it on the budget,” Elely said, noting the existing lease at the current facility expires Oct. 31.
Staff also proposed a pilot to place externally accessible, secured AED cabinets at larger parks so bystanders could initiate life‑saving aid before first responders arrive. Options under review include units with 911‑activated access codes or leased equipment to limit upfront procurement costs.
On personnel and operations, Parks recommended outsourcing some field maintenance and tennis staffing via contracts (estimated up to $100,000) and requested conversion of six permanent part‑time (30‑hour) positions to 40‑hour full‑time status to address leave and benefit inequities. The department additionally asked for a $250,000 boost to athletics/seasonal payroll to make pay more competitive for lifeguards, referees and after‑school staff.
Elely also asked council to consider restoring a safety coordinator role that was authorized but never filled and to approve an outreach coordinator to manage reservations and strengthen outreach; staff said the park master plan is on the council agenda and that adoption will make the city more competitive for RTP and other federal grants.
Why it matters: The combined requests aim to improve park safety, expand access to arts facilities in a lower‑income neighborhood and address staff recruitment and retention in seasonal programs. Councilmembers praised the parks team and asked for follow‑up on master‑plan timing and grant strategies.
No formal budget votes were taken during the hearing.
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