Jason Lacey, the city’s parks and landscape superintendent, told the Recreation and Parks Commission on Nov. 5 that his division is rebuilding leadership and operational capacity after recent turnover. "The division has several key vacancies," Lacey said, noting openings for two park supervisors, two tree trimmers, a tree lead worker and a parks construction and maintenance worker. He said the city is actively recruiting for those positions.

Lacey listed active capital projects across Richmond, including Borman Park revitalization (in construction, completion expected in 2026), Shields‑Reed Park field renovation (construction, expected 2026) and Wendell Park renovation (in construction, expected 2026). He said the 13th Street complete‑project is in bid-and-award and several neighborhood complete-streets projects remain in design.

Alex White, park supervisor, said operational changes and equipment purchases are already improving maintenance: "We've added two new mowers, four new trucks, and we have a new Bobcat," and the department is using defined mowing patterns and seasonal task schedules to increase consistency. He described a five‑pillar framework—safety, cleanliness, operations, maintenance and inviting design—that now guides daily work.

Commissioners focused questions on maintenance capacity and specific problems. Commissioner Samantha Torres asked why repairs to the MLK turf field took about two months. Lacey and White said procurement thresholds and bid requirements triggered longer contracting processes and insurance issues with a vendor that stalled work. White said the turf repair work began in February but fell through when the contractor’s insurance problems delayed the contract. "The idea going forward is to start implementing that, so that field can… hold up a little bit longer," White said, describing plans for an on‑call contractor roster and more internal maintenance capability.

Staff emphasized succession and training to promote internal candidates: lead workers act as temporary supervisors when supervisors are absent to provide upward mobility and on‑the‑job experience. The department also cited coordination with engineering and transportation divisions to align streetscape and connectivity work with park improvements.

Commissioners requested follow‑up: an org chart and clearer project lists (active vs. stagnant) and a report back on the origin of two newly installed lights near the plunge pool. Lacey said staff will provide project lists and follow up with the electrical section on the lights. The parks division also committed to pursuing procurement strategies—such as on‑call contracts and forecasted RFPs—to reduce future delays for high‑need repairs.

The commission did not take formal action on the department report; staff said they will circulate requested documents to commissioners.