Reduced hours at some spray parks, no hanging planters decorating downtown streets, and longer grass along city trails are some of the cost-cutting changes to city services this summer.
The city faced an $18-million shortfall when preparing its 2025 budget. Service level reductions were needed to reduce costs, and the Parks and Public Works department had to adjust its programs to address a $921,884 reduction in funding.
Parks superintendent John Eastwood said residents will see a change, especially if they are regular park users, for instance, due to changes to staffing levels and maintenance routines.
"It's a change. There's some negative comments out there, I'm sure. But we're also trying our best to service the community in the way that they are used to," Eastwood said.
He said it will take time for the department to get used to the adjustments and is looking for ways to do things differently to hone in on high-need areas more efficiently.
"But we still provide good service, and I hope people can see that, and that we're doing our best."
The public are encouraged to help by picking up litter they find, and making the city aware of issues by using the online Report a Problem program.
Eastwood said Report a Problem provides staff with quick updates to address issues, and the data is logged and tracked to pinpoint areas of concern and budget consideration.
Reductions to summer services include:
• A focus on emptying garbage bins in high-traffic and high-use park and trail areas, with reduced pick-up in low-traffic areas.
• No vegetation trimming around infrastructure such as benches, fences, fire hydrants, street signs and boulevards.
• Longer waits to clear debris, prune or do maintenance or repairs.
• Reducing the frequency of grass mowing, with some targeted mowing in priority, high-visibility areas.
• Closing the McKenzie Trails north washroom.
• Closing washrooms at Kiwanis Picnic Park, Rotary Park, Kin Kanyon, and Glendale Skatepark two hours earlier. They are now open daily from about 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., depending on staff availability.
• Not installing hanging baskets downtown nor Capstone planters.
• A 12 p.m. start time at Woody's Spray Park, Central Spray & Play, and Capstone Fountain instead of 11 a.m. Woody's and Central spray parks still operate until 7 p.m. daily, and Capstone Fountain runs each day until 10 p.m., weather dependent.
Bre Fitzpatrick, acting recreation superintendent, said public feedback is appreciated and questions or concerns are tracked to help guide services in the future.
"We're collecting feedback as we go. It's an opportunity for us to hear what the public is requesting," Fitzpatrick said.
Despite the change in hours at the spray parks and fountain, residents have plenty of choice when it comes to water activities. The city lists seven outdoor water amenities on the Outdoor Water Fun page on the city's website at www.reddeer.ca.
The website also lists the schedule for the free Pop-up Spray Parks that run every Thursday, and indoor aquatic options can be found on the Recreations Facilities page.
"I know we have some warmer days coming up. There's lots of ways to get involved and to cool down in the summer," Fitzpatrick said.
The free drop-in neighbourhood program Meet Me at the Park also continues this summer with sports activities, games and crafts and for all ages.
