GENERAL FUND: EXPENDITURES

Department: Parks and Forestry/Open Space

Shaded sections represent equivalent positions with title or level changes.

Explanation Of Significant Budget Variances

2023 Adopted Budget vs. 2022 Projected Actual

• The 2023 budget for Salary and Benefits includes funding for the performance pay adjustment of 5% and healthcare cost increases. The 2023 budget also includes two new full-time Forestry and Open Space Maintenance technicians. The additional staff are needed to handle the growing workload as new parks amenities are added and to bring some maintenance activities in-house for better outcomes.

• Internal Services reflects a change in the way technology management costs are allocated and increased fleet replacement.

• The 2023 budget includes funding in the Other category for tree replacement from restricted developer contributions.

2022 Accomplishments

Support an Active Community

• Installed pickleball shade structure and other new amenities (three picnic tables and trash cans) at the Recreation Center

• Renovated Salisbury field #2 to provide an all-dirt infield, increasing its programmable use

• Installed a remote-control lighting system at O’Brien Park

• Developed and implemented a sustainable Parks, Forestry and Open Space organizational structure, complete with a technician progression plan

• Provided plan review for the Town’s Land Development Ordinance and Parks Design Guidelines document

Promote a Safe and Healthy Community

• Oversaw the safety inspection of 15 Town trail pedestrian bridges and developed a mitigation/ asset maintenance plan to ensure future safety

• Implemented a new 811 locate system specific to Parks, Forestry and Open Space to protect underground utilities from damage

GENERAL FUND: EXPENDITURES

Department: Parks and Forestry/Open Space

• Replaced over 100 trees damaged by severe weather and planted over 1,000 new plants and shrubs at parks and facilities

• Eliminated the use of phosphorus in the Town’s fertilizer program

Foster Community Creativity and Engagement

• Implemented a virtual Memorial Tree Program

• Had 100% participation in the three property adoption programs: adopt-a-trail, adopt-an-open space, and adopt-a-flowerbed

• Worked with an Eagle Scout who installed mile markers along the East/West Trail

2023 Goals

Support an Active Community

• Renovate Parker Recreation Center’s pickleball courts; evaluate upgrading courts to LED lighting

• Renovate the USMC CPL David M. Sonka Dog Park surface with a more sustainable and suitable material

Promote a Safe and Healthy Economy

• Implement a park property recycle program

• Begin a phased approach to replacing the town’s radio frequency-based irrigation controllers to the new cellular platform for better reliability

• Develop a Parks Property Maintenance Master Plan to ensure Parker’s recreation amenities remain world-class

• Implement the use of electric mowers to reduce the Town’s carbon footprint

• Update the Open Space Management Plan to include fire mitigation and prairie dog management practices

Foster Community Creativity and Engagement

• Re-implement the Branching out Parker tree reimbursement program

• Collaborate with the Cultural Department to establish guidelines for a variety of art installations and concepts, including mural installations around Town