GREAT FALLS — During the pandemic, many Great Falls residents have relied on the city's 57 parks to stay active and for their mental health, but dry weather and understaffing have left the Parks and Recreation Department fielding concerns about park maintenance.
Department officials say there has been more trash at Great Falls parks over the last several months -- an indication that residents are going to parks more often during the pandemic.
Great Falls Parks and Recreation Director Steve Herrig said the department has received calls asking about dead grass in the parks. He said although those questions are typical for this time of year, staffing has been a challenge during the pandemic, and contributed to the problem.
The department normally relies on seasonal part-time staff to help water the parks over the summer, but because of the pandemic, part-time employees were hired later than usual this year.
The unseasonably hot and dry weather means the department also has to water more often, which has been difficult along with the staffing challenges. Although it's been a rough summer for hiring, Herrig said the department is just getting back on its feet.
"We've been really playing catch up, pretty much all summer long, and still playing catch up," Herrig said. "Once we get some cooler weather, and a little rain, we'll get back on top of it."
Herrig asked Great Falls residents to do their part to keep the parks clean, by picking up after themselves and their animals.
