Staff outline parks master plan engagement, CIP and budget schedule

City staff updated the board on the parks master plan process, upcoming public engagement events and the timeline for capital and operating budgets.

Mark Schramm (admin) told members the consultant (Damon Farber) completed workshops and inspections and a Typeform survey and workshop documents will be sent to board members who missed the sessions. Staff said targeted engagement opportunities will be held with the Tower Hill Neighborhood Association and at Dopp Park, and an open house for the draft master plan is planned at Rivers Crossing Beer Gardens at the end of August.

Staff framed the work as part of a broader planning effort that must be coordinated with companion plans such as the bike‑ped plan and wayfinding. The board was told the CIP submittal deadline is Aug. 14, with board review and a potential CIP adoption target of Sept. 15. The operating budget process will follow with departmental reviews in September and board action anticipated in November.

Staff also reported on recruitment for a new recreation supervisor (67 applicants, 34 with direct sports experience, nine finalists interviewed and two returning for second interviews) with a likely offer near the end of the week and an anticipated start date around Aug. 11 to align with city onboarding. The board heard updates on event sponsorships and summer program operations, including air quality monitoring and the rescheduling of events canceled due to recent poor air quality.

Board members thanked staff for the work; the meeting closed after staff reports and routine approvals.