The Missouri City Parks Board convened on October 2, 2025, to discuss various topics concerning park management and community engagement. The meeting began with a review of recent issues related to daycare groups utilizing park facilities without prior notification. Board members emphasized the importance of effective communication and education for these groups to ensure compliance with new park usage policies. Staff member Donnie highlighted that they would reach out to local daycares to inform them of the new processes and provide contact information for future coordination.

The discussion then shifted to the timeline for reserving park shelters. It was clarified that smaller events could be accommodated on the same day, while larger events requiring additional resources, such as food trucks, would need a 60-day notice. This was noted as a significant improvement compared to the previous 120-day requirement for community participation events.

Budget considerations were also a focal point of the meeting. Board members discussed a proposed 5% reduction in the parks department budget, acknowledging the impact this would have on revenue generation. Despite the reduction, it was noted that there would still be a significant increase in revenues from park rentals, although it would not fully offset the budget cut.

Concerns were raised regarding the cancellation fees for facility rentals, with staff confirming that specific timelines for full or partial refunds were in place to allow for re-renting the facilities. The board also addressed membership fees for senior citizens, clarifying that the annual fee structure was designed to provide a discount for those opting for an annual membership.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the operational costs of park lighting, particularly for youth sports facilities. Board members expressed the need for a special meeting to engage with local sports organizations regarding the rising costs associated with operating stadium lights, which have become a significant financial burden.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Parks Board's commitment to improving communication with the community, managing budget constraints, and ensuring the sustainability of park operations. Follow-up actions include outreach to daycare providers and planning for a special meeting with youth sports organizations to address concerns about facility usage and costs.