Ashley, the superintendent responsible for facilities and grounds, reported on recent and upcoming park activities and improvements funded in part by a Duke Energy grant.

"We ran out in the first 30 minutes," Ashley said of this year's Jimmy Nash pumpkin patch turnout, noting that the park had ordered fewer pumpkins (175) than the prior year but saw stronger demand. The superintendent described ancillary activities — a bounce house, space painting for children and a costume contest tied to Halloween events — and said staff are preparing for a Halloween festival this weekend.

Ashley reported the city received a grant from Duke Energy to repair and improve the dog park. "It's gonna be closed to the public for the next 2 weeks, and we're gonna have a grand reopening on November 1 from 12 to 2PM," the superintendent said. The Humane Society will attend with an informational booth and adoptable-dog display; donations will be collected at the event. The superintendent said organizers will not bring off-site dogs for insurance reasons but will host the adoption information at the park.

Other improvements described include new benches, painted way stations, donated fire-hydrant features painted black, and resurfacing of the walking track. A Gaga ball pit was ordered but may be installed in 2026 because concrete work is needed. Ashley said staff selected a firm to prepare a five-year master plan — a project expected to take nine to 12 months — and reported continued high facility bookings into the winter season.

Why it matters: The Duke Energy grant and the master-plan process represent near-term capital work and longer-range planning that will affect park amenities and event programming. The temporary closure and scheduled reopening provide a firm timeline for residents who use the dog park and plan to attend the reopening.

The superintendent concluded with operational notes: bathrooms will be winterized beginning Nov. 2, shelter houses will be deep-cleaned and winterized, and staff will focus on Christmas-light sponsorships and decorations through November.