Glenn Miller Park improvement plan moves forward; public input events, playground and splash-pad details presented

Richmond Parks and Recreation staff updated the board on the Glenn Miller Park improvement planning process and several near-term capital projects, and asked the public to participate in upcoming engagement events.

Agency official (Speaker 2) said the department is promoting a Glenn Miller survey at the farmers market and will host an open-house input session on June 9 at the Charles House from 5–7 p.m. The official told the board the department hopes "to have a improvement plan to the board no later than the September 1." The consultants will staff a booth at the market (10 a.m.–noon) to collect public feedback.

Staff reported several capital and operational items for Glenn Miller: the pool passed a health inspection and water test and is scheduled to open Saturday at noon, weather permitting; a pump ordered for equipment repairs was listed at $148,000 with 50% down and an expected 20-week build; and staff described a playground package that the transcript records as "all total out to about 1.8" (the meeting did not specify units for that figure). The presentation also mentioned a recirculating splash-pad cost given in the recording as "5 0 5"; staff said both projects would be ordered after the contract is signed and a not-to-exceed price agreed.

Speaker 2 also described efforts to restore the Freedom Fountain on the city building lawn (flower plantings for the city’s 250th celebration and design elements including benches and shade trees) and listed other maintenance priorities such as irrigation and ADA-accessibility planning.

Board members asked practical questions about contractor scheduling and how roof and playground work would be prioritized around pool and golf season. Staff said the roof contract work is scheduled to begin June 1 and to be completed by Aug. 1, and the playground excavation would begin in October for spring 2027 readiness.

The department encouraged public participation at the market outreach and the June 9 open house for the Glenn Miller improvement plan and said the full plan will be delivered to the board by Sept. 1 for review.