Council Orientation
The Council Orientation was a session planned to introduce the new City Council members to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) and department operations. 3 separate matters touch this plan or program; each has its own status.
Thaiss Park
Thaiss Park is a City park undergoing a full redevelopment project contracted to Bright Masonry, Inc. for $7,725,650, approved by City Council on October 8, 2024. Construction began in December 2024 following utility relocation work and full park closure; the cross-county trail was kept open but made inaccessible from the park during construction.
- Mar 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 1City Council Orientation
All seven City Councilmembers attended the PRAB meeting for a council orientation covering department staffing and upcoming projects.
Van Dyck Redevelopment
The Van Dyck Redevelopment is a funded parks project in the City's capital pipeline that has been in a holding pattern tied to sequencing with other major construction efforts. Through late 2024, the project was placed on hold pending the start of Thaiss Park construction, with no substantive engineering activity.
- Mar 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 1City Council Orientation
All seven City Councilmembers attended the PRAB meeting for a council orientation covering department staffing and upcoming projects.
Pat Rodio Park
Pat Rodio Park is a municipal park that has been undergoing a playground relocation and broader redevelopment effort. As of October 2024, staff began seeking a new playground location; by November 2024 a site had been identified, with tree planting and public outreach planned.
- Mar 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 1City Council Orientation
All seven City Councilmembers attended the PRAB meeting for a council orientation covering department staffing and upcoming projects.
- Feb 13, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 6cCouncil Orientation
Orientation with the new City Council scheduled for March 13 at 6:00 p.m.; CIP and staffing identified as key topics.
In full
At the February 13, 2025 PRAB Regular Meeting, the orientation was scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on March 13, 2025, to be held before the next PRAB meeting, with CIP (Capital Improvement Program) and staffing identified as the key topics to cover. The orientation took place as planned on March 13, 2025, with all seven City Councilmembers attending. Staff presented on department staffing challenges — including the distinction between temporary and part-time position designations, an approximate cost of $26,000 per position for benefits, and 22 remaining positions to be converted — as well as updates on a range of upcoming projects: Thaiss Park, the Master Plan, Van Dyck Redevelopment, Pat Rodio Park, the Splash Pad, Old Town Hall renovation, the Katherine Johnson Middle School field, the Parks Foundation, and NOVA Parks wetlands work at Gateway Park.