The City of Oakley Parks Division has recently undergone reorganization. In addition to in-house adjustments, the most significant change will be the recruitment and hiring of a Parks Division manager, the first since 2008.

“The vision for the Parks Division restructuring is intended to provide improved leadership and enhance operations,” said City Engineer and Public Works Director Jason Vogan. “We’re committed to ongoing improvements of service delivery.”

Leonard Morrow, an experienced and longtime parks and recreation professional, is serving as interim parks manager. Morrow is evaluating the park programs and services and assisting in making the restructuring a smooth transition.

The mission of the Oakley Parks Division is to provide clean, safe, well maintained, inviting and sustainable parks, landscape areas and recreation facilities for the enjoyment of Oakley residents and visitors. The division is responsible for maintaining more than 95 developed acres of park land, nearly 40 acres of unimproved park land and open spaces, and approximately 50 acres of landscaped street medians, planters and streetscapes.

Recent accomplishments of the Park Division include the opening of the all-abilities playground at Crockett Park and the new renovations at Holly Creek Park, which includes a large open turf play area.

This week, the Parks Division completed repairs and renovations at the Laurel Ball Field to prepare it for spring and summer use. Worn turf was removed and new sod was installed, and lip buildup along the baselines and arc were removed. Edging along the base paths were straightened, and infield mix was added, spread, graded and compacted throughout the entire infield. “The playability of this field will be greatly enhanced,” said Morrow.

Next week, work begins at Summer Lakes, where the two grass infields will be transformed into skinned fields. The result, according to Morrow, will be a more level playing surface requiring less maintenance. In the coming weeks, Creekside, Cypress Grove, Magnolia and Shady Oak parks will also undergo field repairs.

The City of Oakley Parks Division is soliciting input from the community regarding existing parks and landscape, future projects or needed amenities. Citizens, community groups and neighborhood associations are encouraged to work with the Parks Division to propose and perform volunteer park maintenance activities.

“If you see a problem, have an idea or suggestion, please let us know,” said Morrow. For more information, call 925-625-7037 or e-mail morrow@ci.oakley.ca.us.