P&R Administration
Fiscal Year 2023
Department Overview
The mission of the City of Owatonna’s Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich the quality of life for our community and visitors by providing a variety of green spaces, trails, facilities, programs, and services to promote health, wellness, learning, and having fun.
Accomplishments
- Transition to OpenGov financial software
- Implementation of Cartegraph software for Gov't Bldgs and Maintenance Staff
- Secure grant opportunities: TAP Grant FY26 (18th Street, DNR Trail Connection, Wellness Room - Southeast Service Cooperative Wellness Mini grant)
- Selected for the Award of Excellence by the MN Park and Recreation Association for the Lowes 100 Hometowns Grant Project
- Completed the We All Play project
- Designed and produced a Spring/Summer and Fall Activity Guides
- Addressed inefficiencies and service level gaps in the operations
- Provided department wide staff development training for Positively Navigating Change
- Completed a Gov't Buildings Task Force initiative
- Developed a Marketing and Communications Plan with the Communications Manager
- Implemented a Department Fees Manual with a Cost Recovery Model policy
- Started a multi park Master Planning Process with community engagement
- Council Chamber Remodel Project
Goals
- Develop a department Strategic Plan
- Develop a department Funding Strategy Plan
- Develop a department Pavement Replacement Plan
- Complete projects on time and within budget
- Advance the level of customer service with communications and interactions
- Provide staff development opportunities
- Create a balanced work load for all staff through work plans
- Identify internal and external efficiencies and partnership opportunities
- Review safety and security gaps and opportunities