Parks Superintendent Shannon Eason told the finance committee the department will remove a $6,146 zoo‑train revenue estimate from the 2026 budget after deciding to keep the train free to visitors. The committee accepted a recommendation to zero out the zoo‑train revenue line after Eason said the line was carried over from earlier budget drafts but the department now plans to absorb any related revenue changes through admission and fee adjustments.

Eason also explained park operations revenue increases this year — for parking stickers and rentals — reflect higher utilization post‑pandemic. The parks department requested several capital items in its "wish list," including a pickup and an equipment purchase for the zoo (carry‑all) and raised the recurring cost of rentals at Memorial Park in its revenue projections.

On equipment, Eason said the department currently rents a bulldozer for about $40,000 per summer to handle beach grading and event set‑up and argued purchasing a dedicated machine would pay for itself over time because it would reduce annual rentals and eliminate repeated hauling charges. The committee discussed shared equipment logistics and the costs to move large machines between sites.

Eason and Council members also discussed the North Course clubhouse, which Eason described as in poor condition and in need of siding and window replacement. Parks staff said they have engaged the school building trades program to perform some rehabilitation work (with donated windows from a local supplier) but noted projects will require supervision and staff time. The committee recommended acceptance of parks budgets as presented, with the parks department to pursue grant and donation avenues for capital work.