As Richmond Parks and Recreation Department makes ambitious plans for the future, it celebrated its 2025 accomplishments March 12 with its board.
“Last year, we were very busy, and we had a great year,” Superintendent Denise Retz said.
The parks had 884 volunteers donate 5,436 hours and received $381,000 in grants and donations. There were 750 rentals and 25 free events. The industrial softball league included 160 players, 400 children participated in the summer Just Us Kids Outdoors program and the Richmond Senior Recreation Center added 102 members.
On 49 Saturdays and 14 Tuesdays, over 100 farmers market vendors exceed $375,000 in sales. The floral department grew 20,000 plants, planted 315 trees and cared for 65 downtown pots.
Highland Lake Golf Course’s irrigation pond levee was repaired, the Middlefork Reservoir restrooms were rehabilitated and Glen Miller Park playground’s slide was replaced.
“I could not be more happy with the team and what they’ve done,” said Retz, who has completed 10 years as superintendent.
The accomplishments were achieved despite less revenue. The department collected 68.1% of its estimated revenue, mostly because property tax revenue did not meet expectations. Property tax collections were $2,540,359.69, which is $1,439,755.31 less than estimated.
City budget cuts lessened the 2026 budget by $350,000, and the department is expected to cut another $350,000 to $500,000 for 2027.
The board presentation came as the department waited for Richmond Common Council’s action about bond anticipation notes and a long-term bond that would fund immediate and priority projects. Food and beverage tax revenue is anticipated to pay bond debt and fund additional pay-as-you-go projects.
Retz said parks use creates maintenance needs, but she adopts the mentality that’s a good thing. Parks are never finished, she said, because they are constantly maintained and improved.
“This is a race we’re never going to win,” Retz said. “We’re never going to cross the finish line.”
Other items
Wes Widdows told the board that Highland Lake Golf Course was busy during good weather March 9 and 10. He is exploring ways to maintain a good water supply for the course’s greens until the new pump house project that’s scheduled for July.
The parks’ annual Easter egg hunt for about 10,000 eggs will be 2-4 p.m. March 28 at the Glen Miller Park golf course. A sensory friendly area will again be provided.
Middlefork Reservoir’s service center will open April 11. Jim Dykes, the assistant parks superintendent, said hiring was completed to staff the center.
The board unanimously approved extending a contract with Highway 38 Dumpsters and Restrooms to service portable restrooms.
A version of this article appeared in the March 18 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.