Park Commission

MEMO TO: Park Commission FROM: Randy Cooper SUBJECT: February 2013 Park Commission Report DATE: February 28, 2013 Veterans Way Memorial: Contractors began their work getting the granite surfaces ready for the Memorial’s upcoming dedication. The granite slabs had to be pieced together like a puzzle with many curved surfaces and vertical and horizontal areas. The finished granite will add a great finishing touch to the project. Dedication is scheduled for April 2, 2013 Hidden Valley Vandalism: The details of the repairs have all been sorted out and now the rebuilding process has begun. Contractors have removed most of the damaged panels and wiring and new parts are in the process of being installed. The exact extent of the damage is still undetermined, but we are working diligently to get everything ready for the upcoming youth sports season. Winter Maintenance: With all of our equipment ready for the upcoming season, the sky’s decided to open up and cover us with snow. With snowfalls more than we have seen for many years, the crews had to plow and shoved almost 2 feet of snow. Our crews are responsible for cleaning the walks and parking lots at Public Safety, City Hall, Vesper Hall, Codes and Engineering, the Commuter lots at Woods Chapel and North 7 Hiway, the Dog Park and the sledding area at Keystone Park. In addition to the Parks Department areas, we also help the Street Department with street plowing. Pink Hill #3 playground: The playground is still on schedule but time is running out. We have been unable to do much work in the past month due to weather, but our staff is ready as soon as the conditions allow. The pergolas are complete and only the brick patios and new plants remain in the plaza area. The playground is almost ready with a few pieces yet to be installed. The concrete border will be completed as soon as everything else is done. Chipping of the Green: Collecting trees concluded in January but because of time constraints, the chipping did not take place until February. This proved to be a good thing as we had about 25 trees show up after the deadline. In all, we chipped 556 trees and gave away 186 for fish habitat. New Employee: We have hired our newest staff member to the Building and Parks Maintenance division. His name is Clif Starnes and he will be assisting Jeff and his crew. Please welcome him when he comes by.