Parks Committee

AGENDA OF THE PARKS COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025, 5:00 PM In person at City Hall, Room 310. Virtual attendance is also available via Zoom. Please note meeting room change. A. Zoom Meeting Information. 1. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84314784824?pwd=THBkdmRwT1k4MG5DV3hhbC9xVDhXdz09 Or call in by phone: +1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 843 1478 4824 Passcode: 278667 If you wish to speak at this public meeting or leave a comment, please fill out the online Comment Form prior to the meeting. More detailed Zoom Instructions can be found online. B. Roll Call. 1. Members: Melinda Eck, Joey Prestley, Ben Delie, Jim Ridderbush C. Approval of the Agenda. 1. Approval of the agenda for the Wednesday, November 19, 2025, meeting of the Parks Committee. D. Approval of Minutes. 1. Approval of the minutes from the October 29, 2025 Parks Committee meeting. E. Regular Business. 1. Consideration with possible action on accepting a $3,850 grant from the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund / Natural Resources Foundation to provide a free native plant kit giveaway as an alternate to "No Mow May" and expand the greenhouse productivity for the Conservation Corps. Agenda of the Parks Committee November 19, 2025 Page 1  2. Consideration with possible action on hiring Minnesota Playground Inc. to supply and install a GameTime playground with synthetic turf surfacing (Option 2) at Beaumont Park/School for a total cost of $354,819.90. F. Informational. 1. Director's Report on updates and recent activities of the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. 2. Next Meeting: December 10, 2025 G. Adjournment. 1. Adjournment of the Wednesday, November 19, 2025, meeting of the Parks Committee. 1) THIS MEETING IS RECORDED: THE VIDEO OF THIS MEETING AND MINUTES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.greenbaywi.gov 2) ACCESSIBILITY: Any person wishing to attend who requires special accommodation because of a disability, should contact the City Safety Manager at 920-448-3125 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time so that arrangements can be made. 3) QUORUM: Please take notice that a majority or quorum of the Common Council will attend this Parks Committee meeting and will constitute a meeting of the Common Council for purposes of discussion and information gathering relative to this agenda. 4) REPRESENTATION: The party requesting the communication, or their representative, should be present at this meeting. Agenda of the Parks Committee November 19, 2025 Page 2  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY November 19, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # D.1 Approval of the minutes from the October 29, 2025 Parks Committee meeting. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Parks Committee 10-29-25 Minutes 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  0123456894 5 680014455 5256 8485 0 1!"!# $$%&' ("!) $!!* +"$,"$-$,".%' 0 '.880055412/1298 0 4182' 0 123456784497:;;<56=7>6?56;@ A<<BC@DDECFGH;I2J4492ECDKDLMN1MOLMLGMPBHQRSTUVQ9WHS1VM:XYZ[NAAI\]^[ZA_QJF] >`7ab??7567Ic7BA46;@7d17N1G7eGe7eO]] 0 :; ;<56=7fZ@77LMN71MOL7MLGM gbCCa4Q;@77GOLeeO fh7c4E7H5CA7<47CB;bV7b<7<A5C7BEI?5a79;;<56=74`7?;bi;7b7a499;6<j7B?;bC;7h5??74E<7<A;746?56;7 \499;6<7k4`97B`54`7<47<A;79;;<56=27:4`;7Q;<b5?;Q784497f6C<`Ea<546C7ab67I;7h4E6Q7 46?56;27 00 0 0 0 0 '8ll ll' 0 0 12:;9I;`C@7:;?56Qb7maVj734;c7g`;C<?;cj7U;67Z;?5;j73597W5QQ;`IECA 00 0 0 0 0 ' 8( l894 5/52 ' 0 0 12nBB`4ib?74h7<A;7b=;6Qb7h4`7<A;7o;Q6;CQbcj7>a<4I;`7G]j7GFGYj79;;<56=74h7<A;7gb`VC7 \4995<<;;2 00 0 0 0 :4i;Q7Ic7n?Q2734;c7g`;C<?;cj7C;a46Q;Q7Ic7n?Q273597W5QQ;`IECA7<47bBB`4i;2 :4<5467gbCC;Q2  012345168912161111419253512351 0  !"##$%&"'!%(!)*+,-./ 0 0 122953541124951551916768892951111: 00 0 0 0 531612151645168912165229531 558221 012345168912161111419253512351 0 .!$.;,'"$!<,/*+.// 0 0 195 2195=2522155191>12529215?6@A 91?519= 12495582B45955254CDE7@1@6 00 0 0 0 5316121516419252295311292154 5?6@A91?519= 12495582B459552 54CFGDEEG7 558221 012345168912161111419253512351 0 (!*+(%$)"-*%+"' 0 0 1 9159H2125952129113125418921915IJ591296 1291 00 0 0 0 53164516891216215161591131215411 9159H2125952129113125418921915IJ591296 1291 558221 012345168912161111419253512351 0 61K11:L531191M6768 00 0 0 0 0 ; !"N%,$+).+- 0 0 1O591541P112655196M676811:5418929511 00 0 0 0 531612151641925O59 558221 012345168912161111419253512351  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY November 19, 2025 Dan Ditscheit, Parks Director AGENDA ITEM # E.1 Consideration with possible action on accepting a $3,850 grant from the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund / Natural Resources Foundation to provide a free native plant kit giveaway as an alternate to "No Mow May" and expand the greenhouse productivity for the Conservation Corps. BACKGROUND The Green Bay Conservation Corps will grow and distribute native plant kits as an alternative to “No Mow May”. These kits will be free to Green Bay residents and offer an education and mentoring component. This grant allows the Conservation Corps to improve and expand its greenhouse operations with additional materials such as soil, seeds, trays, and a hoop house for expanded space. The GBCC will grow 100 free plant kits that will be matched by Stone Silo Prairie Nursery for a total of 200 free kits in 2026. Residents will be selected through a lottery system similar to the rain barrel program. RECOMMENDATION To approve. FISCAL IMPACT There will be no impact to the City budget. Grant Award: $3,850 City Match: In-kind City staff and Conservation Corps staff time, valued at $1,750. ATTACHMENTS 1. Grant Award Email 2. Besadny_NRF_Grant Tracking Form2025 3. Green Bay Conservation Corps+C.D.-Besadny-Conservation-Fund-Application 2025 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov Dan Ditscheit From: Dan Ditscheit Sent: Friday, November 14, 2025 9:46 AM To: Dan Ditscheit Subject: FW: Congratulations! C.D. Besadny Fund From: Marie Jensen <marie.jensen@wisconservation.org> Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 12:01 PM To: Maria Otto <Maria.Otto@greenbaywi.gov> Cc: NRF Grants <NRFGrants@wisconservation.org>; Cait Williamson <Caitlin.Williamson@wisconservation.org> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Congratulations! C.D. Besadny Fund Caution: This email originated from a sender outside of your organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Maria, Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that a grant in the amount of $3,850 from our C.D. Besadny Fund has been awarded to the City of Green Bay to support your Growing Green with the Green Bay Conservation Corps project. We would like to coordinate having an NRF board or staff member personally deliver the check and meet with you to learn more about the project. We'll be in touch soon with the next steps for that visit! Please note that you will be required to submit a project report due November 1, 2026. You can learn more about our reporting requirements on our website: http://www.wisconservation.org/grant-recipients/ Thanks for all that you do – we’re so glad we can support your important work and look forward to hearing more about your project! Best, MARIE JENSEN (she/her) Conservation Program Specialist 211 S Paterson St Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703 OFFICE (608) 409-3122 DIRECT (608) 409-3146 marie.jensen@wisconservation.org | wisconservation.org 1  GRANT TRACKING FORM PART #1: Notification of Grant Funds (emailto:PamelaMa@greenbaywi.gov) APPLICANT DEPARTMENT: PRF DATE: 09/01/2025 APPLICANT DEPARTMENT GRANT CONTACT NAME/TITLE: Maria Otto/Conservation Corps Coordinator APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE: Parks/Finance NAME OF GRANT/FUNDING SOURCE: C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund/Natural Resources Foundation AMOUNT OF GRANT REQUEST: $3,850 LOCAL MATCH REQUIREMENT: $1,750 SOURCE OF MATCH: General Fund Non-General Fund Not Applicable TIMEFRAME OF GRANT: 01/01/2026 through 07/31/2026 TYPE OF GRANT REQUEST: Monetary Other (explain under ‘purpose of grant’) PURPOSE OF GRANT (summary): To provide a free native plant kit giveaway as an alternate to “No Mow May” and expand the greenhouse productivity for the Conservation Corps. How does the grant meet City/Department needs? Promotes GSI practices, the Planned Natural Landscape Ordinance, and pollinator habitat improvements. What are the personnel requirements (include both existing and new staff) of the grant? Conservation Corps AmeriCorps members will grow plants in the greenhouse throughout the early spring with a plant kit giveaway in early summer. DEPARTMENT HEAD SIGNATURE: _________________________________________________________________ PART #2: Request to Accept Grant Funds (complete after notification of grant award; emailto:PamelaMa@greenbaywi.gov) AMOUNT OF GRANT AWARD: $3,850 CFDA/STATE ID #: LOCAL MATCH REQUIREMENT: $1,750 Please describe the source of match, if applicable: In-kind staff and conservation corps member time. Please describe any major changes in proposed grant-funded activities: N/A Please describe what the grant money will be spent on: Soil, seeds, trays/pots, greenhouse supplies, promotional items, yard signs, and hoop house. PART TO: DATE: TO: DATE: #1: Request to Apply Finance Dept FC – Info/Action #2: Request to Accept Finance Dept FC – Action FC = Finance Committee  C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund Grant Application I. Overview Project Title Growing Green with the Green Bay Conservation Corps Organization Name Green Bay Conservation Corps Contact Information Maria Otto, Conservation Corps Coordinator Name, Title, Email, Phone Maria.otto@greenbaywi.gov | 920-604-9171 Check Payable City of Green Bay, Green Bay Conservation Corps Organization Name, c/o, Address, 100 N Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301 City, State, Zip Project Timeframe January 1, 2026 Project Start and End Date July 31, 2026 Project County Brown County impacted by this project Amount Requested ($) $3,850 Total Project Cost ($) $5,600 Would you accept less than the amount requested? Yes or No Yes Matching Funds ($) $1,750 1:1 encouraged but not required; may include volunteer hours Purpose The Green Bay Conservation Corps will grow and distribute native plant 2 sentence description of project kits to encourage conversion of monoculture lawns into native habitat as an alternative to “No Mow May”. These kits will be free to the public and offer an education and mentoring component. How did you hear about our Cait Williamson C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund? Grant Eligibility ☒ Yes, I have reviewed the eligibility guidelines and my project meets Required all requirements. Grant Priorities ☒ Benefitting imperiled natural communities and native plant or Required: Please select at least one wildlife species. of the priorities that your project ☒ Engaging underserved communities in Wisconsin and/or supporting addresses. diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within Wisconsin’s conservation and environmental education sectors. ☐ Building climate resiliency of Wisconsin’s natural resources through natural climate solutions or climate adaptation. Send application and supporting documents via email to NRFgrants@wisconservation.org by September 1st. Please list the organization name in the subject line.  Supporting Documentation ☒ Yes, I have included proof of tax-exempt status. Required Applicant Commitment ☒ To the best of my knowledge, all information provided in this grant Required application is true and accurate. I understand that the Natural Resources Foundation has sole discretion in awarding grants. I understand that if I am awarded a grant, the Natural Resources Foundation shall have the right to provide others with the project description. I understand that if I am awarded a grant, I will be required to submit a grant report within 1 year of receiving the grant to be considered for future funding. II. Narrative 1. Summary of the project, including purpose, activities, and objectives (250 words) The Green Bay Conservation Corps (GBCC), the first municipally based AmeriCorps program in Wisconsin, was launched in 2022 to restore native habitats and engage the community in conservation. Since then, GBCC has restored over 200 acres, planted 50,000+ native plants, and led numerous public education events. A key initiative has been the Pollinator Corridor project, which has established nearly 10 large-scale habitats in city parks. In 2025, GBCC seeks to expand this effort through the “Growing Green” program—an initiative that empowers residents to convert portions of traditional turf lawns to native plant habitats on private property. As an alternative to “No Mow May,” the program will distribute 100 free native plant kits, each containing 15 plants (sun/shade variations), grown by AmeriCorps members. These kits will include planting plans, maintenance guides, a yard sign, and educational materials. “Growing Green” advances habitat connectivity, improves pollinator health (e.g., monarchs, rusty-patched bumblebee), and enhances stormwater resilience—all while removing financial and informational barriers to native landscaping. 2. Describe the project’s methods (i.e., timeline, activities, etc.) (250 words) January: GBCC will finalize seed counts, order additional seeds if necessary, and begin stratifying species. Yard sign designs will be finalized and ordered. Planting plans and educational materials will be compiled. February: Promotional materials for the program will be shared, including social media graphics, printed flyers, and a press release. The program will be publicized on social media accounts for Green Bay Conservation Corps, City of Green Bay Government, City of Green Bay Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, and City of Green Bay Public Works. Seedlings will start in 200-cell trays. March: Residents can register for a chance to receive a free plant kit. Valid registrations will get a unique number, and recipients will be chosen using a random number selector once the registration period is closed. The Conservation Corps will begin repotting seedlings into 50-cell trays as species are ready. Repotting will continue into April. AmeriCorps members will monitor plant health and manage pests as needed. May: Kits will be assembled with 15 plants; 3 plants per species, including 1 grass/sedge and 4 flowering species. Kits will be assembled for sun and shade areas. Plants will be repotted into 2-inch pots and hardened in the hoop house to increase success rates. Residents will pick up their free plant kit at the Bay Send application and supporting documents via email to NRFgrants@wisconservation.org by September 1st. Please list the organization name in the subject line. Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. Kits will include a planting guide, maintenance resources, and educational resources. Residents are encouraged to install the provided yard sign to promote the program, submit photos, and complete a short survey in June. 3. Describe how your project aligns with the purpose of this grant program (250 words) “Growing Green” aligns with all four priorities of the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund. It: • Directly benefits pollinator species identified in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan, including the federally listed rusty-patched bumblebee and monarch butterfly. • Builds climate resilience by reducing lawn mowing (carbon savings), enhancing stormwater absorption, and increasing urban biodiversity. • Reduces barriers for low-income households and marginalized communities to participate in native landscaping. • Leverages innovative partnerships between the City of Green Bay, the Green Bay Botanical Garden, the Sustainability Commission, and AmeriCorps to deliver scalable, replicable impact. The native plant kits will include key species such as milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and others that ensure season-long blooms for native pollinators. Green Bay has a high population of monarch butterflies and rusty-patched bumblebees, a federally listed species. Additionally, native plantings better manage rainwater and water quality in residential areas. Green Bay is the third-largest city in Wisconsin and would benefit from increased native habitats on private lands. Based on the Brown County ALICE report, 1 in 3 households in Brown County live at or below the ALICE threshold and struggle to meet daily basic needs. The “Growing Green” program will offer an opportunity to engage communities that have previously had financial or educational barriers to native plants. Finally, the educational resources with the free plant kits will help break down knowledge and language barriers, offering access to resources previously not available. All educational resources will be posted on the Conservation Corps’ website for the public to download. 4. Why is this project important? What gaps or challenges does it address? (250 words) “Growing Green” addresses the urgent need for urban biodiversity, pollinator conservation, and climate resilience in a way that is accessible, equitable, and community-driven. The project addresses challenges by empowering Green Bay residents to create pollinator-friendly native plant gardens at home. Urban development has fragmented natural habitats, reducing food and nesting resources for pollinators such as monarch butterflies and the federally endangered rusty-patched bumblebee—both identified in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan. At the same time, traditional turf lawns dominate residential areas, offering minimal ecological value and contributing to stormwater runoff, heat retention, and carbon emissions. “Growing Green” fills critical gaps by increasing habitat connectivity, especially on private lands, while promoting climate resilience through natural solutions. The project also removes financial and educational barriers to participation. In Brown County, one in three households lives at or below the ALICE threshold. By providing free native plant kits, planting guides, and multilingual educational resources, the program makes conservation accessible to families who might otherwise be excluded from such efforts. Led by the Green Bay Conservation Corps, this project builds on proven success in habitat restoration and community engagement. It leverages partnerships and volunteer service to connect people directly to nature, fostering a healthier, more resilient city for both wildlife and residents. Send application and supporting documents via email to NRFgrants@wisconservation.org by September 1st. Please list the organization name in the subject line. 5. Describe the intended impact of this project, including goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes (250 words) The goal of the “Growing Green” project is to expand native habitat throughout Green Bay by engaging residents in accessible, hands-on conservation that benefits pollinators, strengthens climate resilience, and builds community awareness around sustainable land stewardship. Objectives include: • Distribute 100 free native plant kits to residents in 2025, focusing outreach on underserved communities. • Support the installation of at least 1,500 native plants (15 plants per kit), increasing habitat connectivity for pollinators such as monarch butterflies and the rusty-patched bumblebee. • Provide accessible educational materials and planting guides to 100+ residents through printed kits and online downloads. • Increase public awareness of native landscaping, pollinator conservation, and climate-friendly practices. Residents will be asked to complete a follow-up survey assessing residents’ knowledge gain, satisfaction with the kit, likelihood to maintain or expand native plantings, and photographic documentation of installed plantings. The number of residents who apply, receive kits, and report planting success will be tracked and documented for future expansion. Long-term, this project aims to catalyze a cultural shift toward more ecologically beneficial residential landscapes in Green Bay. By demonstrating the feasibility and value of native planting, “Growing Green” will serve as a model for future habitat efforts that are equitable, scalable, and community-centered. 6. Describe your plans for media outreach for this project (e.g., press releases, newsletters, etc.) (250 words) The City of Green Bay will launch a press release announcing the registration for a free plant kit in March. The Green Bay Sustainability Commission will also make an announcement at its public meetings. Information about the “Growing Green” program will also be in the Conservation Corps quarterly newsletter. The Conservation Corps will also submit a story to the “Sustainably Speaking” segment on Local 5 news. Additionally, the program will be promoted across multiple social media accounts, including the Green Bay Conservation Corps, City of Green Bay, Green Bay Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, and Green Bay Public Works. 7. When time allows, we like to schedule site visits to see the work of our grant recipients in action. Please indicate two opportunities (i.e. time of year, or specific date) for the Natural Resources Foundation to visit your project. March – visit the greenhouse and see the plants growing and the kits being compiled. May – come to the community kit pickup event Send application and supporting documents via email to NRFgrants@wisconservation.org by September 1st. Please list the organization name in the subject line.  We would welcome a visit any time as well! III. Budget 1. In the table below, enter budget information for the project. The total for the “C.D. Besadny conservation Fund Portion” column may not exceed $5,000. 2. List any other pending or received funding sources for this project. Include the dollar amount and status of those requests. AmeriCorps grant for $395,162 to fund the Conservation Corps from September 2025 to August 2026. Pending City budget for 2026. Proposed budget of $203,706. Line Item C.D. Besadny Other Funding Total Cost ($) Conservation Fund (List Source, $) Portion ($) Greenhouse soil $ 400.00 $0 $ 400.00 Trays and pots $ 600.00 $0 $ 600.00 Hoop house $ 125.00 $0 $ 125.00 Greenhouse supplies (hoses, fans, $ 1,100.00 $0 $ 1,100.00 labels, flood table, shelving, etc.) Native seed supplements $ 200.00 $0 $ 200.00 Promotional/Educational Items (Yard $ 1,450.00 $0 $ 1,450.00 signs, flyers, planting plans, etc.) Staff coordination and logistics $0 $1,000 $1,000 AmeriCorps member time (in-kind) $0 $750.00 $750.00 $3,850.00 $1,750.00 $5,600.00 Send application and supporting documents via email to NRFgrants@wisconservation.org by September 1st. Please list the organization name in the subject line.  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY November 19, 2025 Emma Baierl, Dan Ditscheit, Parks Director AGENDA ITEM # E.2 Consideration with possible action on hiring Minnesota Playground Inc. to supply and install a GameTime playground with synthetic turf surfacing (Option 2) at Beaumont Park/School for a total cost of $354,819.90. BACKGROUND In 2023 the City of Green Bay bonded $75,000 towards the replacement of the playground at Beaumont Park/School. The anticipated total cost at the time was $150,000, with the School District funding 50% of the cost. Since then, the School District decided to move ahead with a major addition to Beaumont School. Earlier this year, the School District approached the City and requested a larger playground with more ADA ramping than a traditional park playground. They also requested the installation of synthetic turf surfacing instead of traditional wood chips. The School District agreed to fund any additional costs associated with these proposed changes. This playground replacement was quoted through the City's Purchasing Department. Four companies submitted proposals. One of the four companies (Minnesota Playground Inc.) submitted 2 proposals. All proposals were reviewed and scored by a team consisting of City staff and Green Bay Public School District staff. Minnesota Playground Inc.'s Proposal #2 scored the highest. Everyone on the team is in agreement to proceed with the purchase of the highest scoring proposal. In addition, the Green Bay Public School District has confirmed that they have adequate funding in place to proceed. If approved, Minnesota Playground Inc. will supply and install the playground from GameTime, along with the synthetic turf. RECOMMENDATION To approve. FISCAL IMPACT Total Cost $354,819.90 City Cost: $75,000, Already approved 2023 Park bonding Green Bay Public School District: $279,819.90 ATTACHMENTS 1. 2025-35 Intent to Award and Bid Summary 2. Beaumont Playground Proposal 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov 11/12/25 RE: Notice of Intent to Award RFP # 2025-35 Beaumont Park Playground Equipment Dear Sir/Madam: The evaluation of proposals received for this RFP has been completed and the following is recommended for award: The City of Green Bay Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is recommending awarding the Beaumont Park Playground Equipment to Minnesota Playground Proposal #2 (D12885R) in the amount of Equipment: $200,000 Synthetic Turf - $154,820 Total Price: $354,820. The recommended award will be brought for approval before the next Parks Committee meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025 @ 5:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public and attendance is not required. As the room and time may change, please confirm the date, time, and location if you plan to attend. Please see the summary of bids received for this project. Thank you for your continued interest in doing business with the city of Green Bay. If you have any questions, or require additional information, please feel free to contact me at 920-448-3049. Sincerely, Troy Van Handel Buyer Attachment Cc: Dan Ditscheit  CITY OF GREEN BAY BID SUMMARY RFP #2025-35 Beaumont Park Playground Equipment & Surfacing ISSUED: 10/07/2025 DUE: 11/04/2025 CC: 65018, 65038 Scoring Criteria & Points Highest Score (Avg.) ----> ----> ----> ----> Evaluation Minnesota Minnesota Northland Team Total Playground Proposal Playground Proposal Lee Recration Boland Recreation Recreation Possible 2: D12885R 1: D12884R Points Categories Option #1 Option #2 Option #3 Option #4 Option #5 EV1 EV2 EV3 EV1 EV2 EV3 EV1 EV2 EV3 EV1 EV2 EV3 EV1 EV2 EV3 30 Play Value 28 21 25 26 21 24 25 23 22 24 26 16 27 27 18 25 Number of Components 25 21 20 24 21 18 24 19 20 25 20 18 24 21 18 25 Number of ADA Accessible Components 25 23 20 24 23 20 22 20 18 23 20 16 23 18 15 15 Creativity 15 13 13 13 13 13 12 12 10 10 12 10 14 10 8 5 Warranty 5 2 3 5 2 3 5 1 3 5 5 3 5 1 3 Vendor Score(s) 100 (Total Possible Points = 100) 98 80 81 92 80 78 88 75 73 87 83 63 93 77 62 86.33 83.33 78.67 77.67 77.33 Recommendation: Award Minnesota Playground Proposal #2 as the highest scoring vendor that provided the best overall solution and value to the City of Green Bay.  Report to the Parks Committee of the City of Green Bay MEETING DATE PREPARED BY November 19, 2025 AGENDA ITEM # F.1 Director's Report on updates and recent activities of the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. BACKGROUND RECOMMENDATION FISCAL IMPACT ATTACHMENTS 1. Director's Report 11.19 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54301-5026 greenbaywi.gov  PARKS COMMITTEE DIRECTOR’S REPORT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025 PARK DIVISION • Park shelter rentals have wrapped up for the 2025 season. A large number of Park shelters have been winterized for the season. • Park mowing crews have shifted focus from mowing parks to leaf cleanup and mulching. With leaves continuing to fall, our lawnmowers will be mulching the leaves in the parks as they proceed through their routes. Leaves are also being blown out of landscape beds, playgrounds and off hard surfaces. • Park landscape crews are out and about maintaining and performing fall cleanup of landscape beds in our parks, Bay Beach, aquatic facilities, and other areas throughout the city. • Special events continue to wind down for the season. Staff assisted with some of the more recent events, including the Howling Halloween Hike and Ottertoberfest. • Park caretakers continue to have a presence in the parks picking litter, checking bathrooms, emptying garbage cans and ensuring the parks are in order for visitors. • The ballfield crews are wrapping up athletic fields for the season. Off season field maintenance is taking place along with minor maintenance to fields and facilities. • Fall aerating is taking place on a number of athletic fields and some of our higher traffic areas within the Parks. • Park Carpenters are working on a number of projects, which include rebuilding bird habit cages at the Wildlife Sanctuary, concrete work at Perkins Park, and wrapping up as many outdoor projects as possible before winter sets in. • Winterzation of the wading pools and aquatic facilities has been completed for the season. A few smaller off-season pool projects are still continuing. • Tennis nets and Pickleball nets are scheduled to begin coming down on November 13th for the winter season. FORESTRY DIVISION • Forestry staff continue to work with IT staff on transferring our tree inventory to a GIS format. This will be an ongoing process for the next year. • Cycle pruning efforts are focused on the downtown and Whitney Park areas. Typical cycle pruning includes raising tree limbs for clearance, deadwood pruning and structure pruning to help reduce the chances of breakage during storms. • Pruning crews are also working on pulling stakes and training pruning young trees. • Fall tree planting season is upon us, staff and crews are busy with all facets of this operation tree planting should be finished by the 21st of November. • The planting crews are applying biochar to planting sites. This is part of the grant project with The Lake Michigan Bird Observatory. The Observatory will be evaluating the trees for the next five years to measure growth rates and tree vitality. The trees will have metal marking tags indicating they are part of the study. • Staff are working on the winter tree removal lists. Tree removal operations will begin  once planting operations have been completed. DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION • Staff are working with a consultant to complete the wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk construction plans for Bay Beach Amusement Park. Staff hired a consultant to complete the quality assurance requirements in the EPA grant for the wildlife viewing platform and shoreline walk work. • Shipyard Phase II design work has begun. The consultant recently submitted the 50% bid plan sets for review. • Planning continues for the Joliet Park Area of Concern habitat restoration project. The consultant is approximately 75% complete with the construction documents. • Construction is completed on the Main Street East River Trail project from Baird to Irwin. • Construction of the JBS project is well underway. The infrastructure/road project is nearly completed. The construction of the Park/Boulevard has begun. • Planning continues for the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and Renard Island Nearshore Area. A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) has been completed. • Planning for the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Strategic and Master Planning has begun. • The Leicht Memorial Park Pavilion is currently out for bid. • A consultant has been hired to design improvements for Joannes Sk8 Park. The consultant is developing conceptual plans. • Construction of the Bay Beach HVAC Pavilion Project began on 9/8/25 and will be completed in February 2026. • A consultant has been hired for Baird Creek Mountain Bike Flow Track Improvements. • Quotes have been received for the replacement of the Beaumont Park playground, in partnership with the Green Bay Public School District. • A request for quote is out for Joannes Aquatic Center Engineering. • Triangle Hill Snowmaking infrastructure construction is underway. • Meyer Dog Park construction is completed and will be open to the public once signs are installed. GREEN BAY CONSERVATION CORPS • Crews have begun cutting and treating woody invasive species at the Westside Trail, John Muir, and Newberry Conservancy. • The 0.5-mile trail loop at Red Smith Park was freshly mulched. A new book was installed in the storybook trail. • Staff and crew held a Halloween-themed clean-up along the East River and Baird Creek on Friday, October 31st. Volunteers removed over 6 garbage bags and numerous large items from the waterway. • Crews continue to produce biochar in partnership with the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory to create a soil amendment for tree plantings. • Crews completed seed collecting for 2026 greenhouse growing and habitat restoration. • The 2026 pollinator plantings have been selected, and crews have completed removing the turf grass and prepping the planting sites. 2026 planting sites include Muir, Marquette, Fort Howard, and Sullivan. • Crews partnered with NES to lay erosion socks and seed a 0.5-acre steep slope at Baird Creek Greenway in the Rusty Patch Bumblebee restoration zone. • Crew members have begun compiling a 2025 Year in Review Story Map and are working to release an interactive map of the Pollinator Corridor project. Both maps are expected to be released by the end of the year. • Staff and members have started mapping Perkins Park habitats to order native seed mixes and prepare for the large-scale restoration approved in the master plan. • Members began planning efforts for the annual day of service in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Event details to be released soon. • Staff have been meeting with other organizations across the state to develop a state coalition of programs dedicated to youth career development and community service. Other programs include Operation Fresh Start, WisCorps, and multiple Youth Build programs. • Staff continue to research and write grants for the department. Recently, staff was awarded $3,850 from the Natural Resources Foundation to launch a free native plant kit giveaway program in place of “No Mow May”. RECREATION DIVISION • The adult basketball program began on November 5th at various high schools. • We are currently taking registration for our Winter Table Tennis League. It will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning January 7 at Franklin Middle School. • 2025-26 Chill Chaser. There will be 20 parks around Green Bay with a symbol hanging in the window of the shelter located at the park. Participants will receive prizes for the number of symbols they find. The program will run December 19 – January 5. • A Winter LEGO Event will be held at the Wildlife Sanctuary on December 13: 10am- 5pm and December 14: 10am – 3pm. • Open Gyms are available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at various Green Bay Public School District locations. • Registration is underway for our Mini-Dribblers youth basketball programs. These will be held at King and Red Smith Schools starting January 26. • Youth Dance program is underway on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Wildlife Sanctuary and Edison Middle School. Classes are learning routines for the February recital. Costumes have been ordered. • Recreation Staff participated in the Find Your Inspiration Event with the Green Bay Chamber at the Resch Expo Hall on Wednesday, November 5. This event exposed thousands of local 8th graders to different career opportunities within the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. • Staff have initiated the planning process for future programming at new facilities, including Shipyard and Leicht Park. AQUATICS • This off-season, staff will continue to evaluate the staffing shortage we continue to endure. Some notes to consider: o Types of schedules o Length of shifts o Scheduling software o Incentives o Weekend bonus pay • Staff are working on completing the 2025 Annual Aquatics Report. This will assist in making decisions for the 2026 season. • Staff completed program analyses for 2025 and are using it to evaluate program planning in 2026. • Lifesavers Pathway o Staff are working on writing a curriculum for a new program that will help promote and certify lifeguards. In conjunction with the Green Bay Y and through a donation from Jones Signs, we are hopeful to roll out the new program in 2026. BAY BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK • Ride Repairs o Sea Dragon: Staff are waiting on lap bars to be delivered. o The maintenance crew has been working on getting the rides that have been down, back in operation so they will be ready next Spring. o Most of the rides have been taken down for the winter. o Annual painting and maintenance have begun. • Inclusive Playground o The bathrooms have been winterized and closed for the season. o The parking lot will remain open until the snow flies. At that point the playground and parking lot will be closed for the season. • Staffing o Staff will be attending the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) conference in Orlando for professional development, seeing new trends, and look for options of rides we may purchase. o Onboarding documents are getting updated for 2026 season. o The scheduling process is being re-evaluated. • Improvements o The pavilion dancehall HVAC construction is well underway. o Staff are researching ways to increase special events for the 2026 season. METRO BOAT LAUNCH • The Pay Station is open and taking payments. • Only one dock remains until the first week of December. TRIANGLE HILL • Shelter rentals are underway. • Discussions on winter operations continue. We will hopefully have electric and water hooked up soon to accommodate the snow making process. • Staff have been working on purchasing supplies and hiring seasonal staff for the ski/tubing hill operations. WILDLIFE SANCTUARY • The Raptor Walk enclosure reconstruction is underway with prep work beginning for spring improvements. • A kick-off meeting was held with Strategic Planning consultant. Information from stakeholders was gathered and subsequent on-site meetings are being scheduled. • Final inspection is scheduled for the completion of electrical upgrade in WLS Raptor Walk exhibit. • Several aged parking lot lights were replaced at the Nature Center with LED fixtures. ADMINISTRATION • Staff are continuing to support special event requests. • Table Tennis and Mini Dribblers programs are available for signup. • Gift cards are available to purchase by phone or in person in our office. • Metal Detecting Permits are available for purchase online, or in person in our office. • Posted social media events, programs, and information. • Park and Recreation Department budget formulation has been submitted. • Capital Improvement Project budget formulation has been compiled. • Preparation has begun in our reservation system for the upcoming facility rental season. • Staff are working on rehires for the 2026 seasonal hiring. • Staff are currently preparing to post our open positions for new hires in anticipation of our 2026 season. • Annual Metro Boat passes are no longer being sold for the 2025 launch season. We will post in 2026 when they are available for purchase.