Parks director outlines $750,000 pool roof replacement, playground renovations and field lighting upgrades

In the director’s report, Leland summarized capital and maintenance work across the Little Rock parks system, including an estimated $750,000 full roof replacement over an indoor pool that will require the facility to be closed for much of the summer. Staff said they are draining the indoor pool and preparing for roof removal and replacement down to the beam structure; the outdoor pool will remain open for morning swim and other outdoor activities during repairs.

Leland outlined other active projects: resurfacing at Resmond Tennis ahead of the Little Rock Open; replacement of HVAC units at Jim Daly and Dunbar facilities; new maintenance contracts for roughly half of park locations (ZMD Contractors awarded two zones); purchase of about $75,000 in fitness equipment for the new senior facility; and an application for a motorized boat‑launch trail grant for improvements at the River Mountain boat launch.

Staff also described an Interstate Park lighting project that will replace three of six sport‑field lights using Targeted Community Development (TCD) funds, a ward‑allocated pool of funds designated for neighborhood investments. Leland said playground replacements at Murray Park, Riverfront and Reservoir Park continue (with bond funding used on several projects) and reported ongoing work on a Heineman master plan developed with the neighborhood association.

Commissioners asked for timing and effects on users; staff said weather can affect the pool schedule, the outdoor pool is expected to serve patrons during the indoor closure, and HVAC work is focused on reducing humidity and improving locker‑room conditions. The director said funds were identified to replace a specialty HVAC unit for locker rooms that staff estimated had cost on the order of $90,000 when discussed in the meeting.

No formal vote was required on the director’s informational report.