Council defers vote on emergency parks turf funding after parks director outlines winter plan

An emergency ordinance establishing a parks grass and turf replacement funding source (R183) was brought to final action Oct. 20 but the council voted to defer it one month after Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simons outlined the department’s plan for winter and spring maintenance.

Director Simons told council the department will retain a higher level of temporary staffing through late fall and winter, winterize irrigation systems while planning targeted winter watering where needed, stockpile inputs for spring, and acquire additional turf-maintenance equipment so crews can work simultaneously across multiple parks. Simons said those measures are intended to reduce the scale of spring remediation work.

Councilor Lewis said the intent was to keep funding on the table while staff completes implementation steps and the administration confirms available reverted funds that might be allocated for immediate needs. Lewis moved a one-month deferral to allow that work to proceed; the motion passed on an 8–0 vote.

Public commenters raised health and equity issues tied to park access and homelessness. Several speakers asked for more public restrooms and criticized conditions at the West Side shelter and nearby sites. Others described specific parks with damaged turf and said crews had not yet resolved issues. One commenter said members of the National Guard had been observed near Robinson Park, prompting requests for clarity from administration; the CAO said the National Guard presence was not at the request of Parks and Recreation and staff would investigate.

Ending: Council deferred R183 to the Nov. 5 meeting to allow staff to advance the department plan, clarify funding sources, and report back on winter watering and equipment procurement.