Parks director seeks funds for controlled burns, pavilion concrete and expanded gravel lots

At the Aug. 28 meeting, Ken, the parks speaker, reviewed the parks budget and operational work since the last meeting.

Ken said the largest budget increase is in a site-improvement line to cover concrete for new pavilions, a sidewalk and an additional stair path off an accessible ramp, plus electricity work for a fuel island and gravel parking expansion at Chavinah. “The site improvement expense went up a lot, but that includes the concrete for all the pavilions,” he said.

Ken also said professional services were raised to fund planned controlled burns this fall and that he will seek matching grants where feasible. “So, the 1st line professional services went up, because I included, controlled burns in that,” Ken said. He added that some volunteer work may be used to reduce gravel costs if volunteers are available to help with spreading materials.

Committee members asked which budget line would be tapped if a grant becomes available; Ken and staff said grant matches would come from the site-improvement or professional services lines and that specific ordinance or application requirements (for some grants) may be needed before applying.

Separately, Ken reported storm-related tree clearing and park maintenance — including reopening a park area used by equestrian riders — and noted a regional outdoor education director had toured facilities and expressed interest in future collaboration.

Next steps: Parks staff will pursue matching grants, provide cost estimates for site projects and return with any required ordinance language if a grant requires formal county action.