The Municipal

The October Parks & Environmental Services Issue of The Municipal is out now. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gKMEcyRT

Make no bones about it: the Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, Okla., has a lot of skeletons in its closets – and on display as well. In fact, the facility is literally rattling with the remains of over 8,000 specimens across 1,500 species, making it the largest privately held osteological collection in the world https://lnkd.in/guzx7zeg

During his nine years working for the city, two as the public works director, Bill Thompson has seen the population of Mont Belvieu, Texas, nearly triple. It is expected to triple again in the next 10 years. https://lnkd.in/gaXmDQsX

What was once a blighted urban area in Rome, N.Y., is shaping the future with art and innovation. Recalling the history of the Leatherstocking Country made famous by American writer James Fenimore Cooper, planners and residents are blending themes of past and present to create a future for the city. https://lnkd.in/g3DZh8fx

Sandy Springs, Ga., is a relatively young city, approaching its 20th birthday. Despite its youth, it is embarking on a project to exercise more control over its municipal fleet by bringing maintenance of that fleet in-house. https://lnkd.in/g5AY6MJc

Concession stands are a potential way for city parks departments to earn some extra profit. However, much of that is determined by the location of the concessions and what is sold. Various cities have different ways of running concessions. Some have them at specific locations, such as pools and ball fields, where families spend a great deal of time. Some cities staff the stand with employees and others outsource to companies who sell food and beverage, such as food carts. https://lnkd.in/g2x8XKyE

Ongoing leaks can waste a lot of energy, resources and money, especially on flat terrain where municipal pumping is required to keep the system pressurized and where water is purchased from a local municipal purveyor at retail rates. Mueller Water Products was recently hired by an energy performance firm to survey a federal government water distribution network in Ontario to determine if leakage was contributing to unnecessary energy consumption. https://lnkd.in/gQMHwXdX

Inflation numbers impact everything Americans pay for, from groceries to luxuries and even utility services. While bills for things such as water and sewer might not cost as much as other necessities, every dollar saved can make a difference for families and individuals. That is why some cities throughout the country have instituted programs to aid citizens with these expenses. https://lnkd.in/gNJn_HQr

Ashley Faulcon’s journey to becoming a program coordinator for East Brunswick, N.J.’s, recreation and parks department wasn’t a straight shot. However, her passion for volunteerism and working with youth has led to a fulfilling career and the opportunity to make a difference every day. https://lnkd.in/gJvFyDzc

When Mayor Joe Harris Jr. was elected in 2021, he promised that Osceola, Ark., would become an ideal place to live, work and play. As part of that pledge, the historic Florida Park has been given a whole lot of love with a renovated tennis court deck and more updates to come. https://lnkd.in/gNXyqXBm