Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oak Ridge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in parks rec
Annual Tree Lighting Event Preparation
The board is planning details for the upcoming holiday tree lighting event on December 4, featuring a 'Letters to Santa' theme and optional festive dress.
Recreation Center Renovations
A $293,720 contract would build two new offices and refresh the lobby at the Oak Ridge Recreation Center, improving the experience for patrons and staff.
Annual Halloween Community Event Planning
Members planned details for an upcoming Halloween community event and scheduled their annual trip for January.
Outdoor Pool Renovation Design
The city is investing nearly $4.9 million to overhaul the outdoor pool's filtration systems, pumps, and shell liners to fix persistent water loss and improve operations.
Recreation and Parks Board Work Plan
The board discussed its ongoing work plan and reviewed the city's strategic plan for the upcoming fiscal year to help guide parks and recreation priorities.
Recreation and Parks Work Plan and Facility Development
Consultants from McGill presented the draft 10-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, highlighting Oak Ridge's exceptional park acreage and trail system while recommending facility upgrades, centralized athletic complexes, and revenue-generating strategies.
Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Work Plan Review
The Youth Advisory Board finalized station assignments, supplies, and booth layouts for their upcoming March 28 community event. Activities will include face painting, rock painting, crafts, and food stations with suggested donation buckets.
Senior Center Programs and Transportation Services
The city is looking to accept a $250,000 TDOT grant and increase its contract with ETHRA to $312,500 to support local demand-response transit. Surging ridership caused previous contract caps to be exceeded earlier in the year.
City Interpretive Signage Review
The board approved placement locations for four historical statues to honor key figures in Oak Ridge's history, aiming to enhance local heritage tourism and community pride.
Civic Center Fountain Area Water Garden
The city is planning potential improvements for the defunct fountain area near the Civic Center, including a possible water garden.
Public Art and Community Mobility Programs
Residents pitched ideas for new murals on Illinois Avenue and an e-bike program to help citizens get around town.
Upcoming Hybrid Town Hall Meetings
The board is planning two town hall meetings in April—one in person and one virtual—to gather community input on accessibility and disability needs.
Covenant Presbyterian Gatehouse Maintenance and Tourism
Covenant Presbyterian Church announced it is no longer able to maintain the historic gatehouse on its property, prompting the board to discuss potential future options for the structure.
Senior Center Programs and Participation
The board is setting its priorities and reviewing ongoing programs and participation numbers at the Oak Ridge Senior Center to ensure local seniors have adequate community resources.
Peace Poles Initiative on City Property
The Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club proposed installing peace poles across the city as part of a nationwide effort to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The advisory board voted to support the project and pursue city collaboration.
Senior Center Programs, Transportation, and Participation
The board is looking at ways to expand senior offerings by learning from other regional facilities like the Petros Senior Center and reviewing local event schedules.
Town Hall Meetings Planning
The Disability Advisory Board is planning to host both an in-person and a virtual town hall meeting in late August to better connect with residents and gather feedback on disability needs.
Digital Walking Tour and ArcGIS StoryMap
The board is working on combining walking tour information with existing apps run by the Chamber and Explore OR to make local history easier for visitors to find.
Atomic Fall Fest growth
The festival goes one-day (Saturday only) with a bigger-name headliner booked through RCS Productions for up to $150,000, offset by ticket sales and sponsorships.
Senior Advisory Board 2026 Goals and Strategic Planning
The board is working to finalize its goals for 2026, focusing on enhancing senior center activities, expanding publicity, building awareness of community resources, and strengthening partnerships.
YAB Educational and Government Trip Rescheduling
The Youth Board is planning its annual educational trip for March 13-15, 2026. Committees are researching lodging, itineraries, and costs for Savannah, Charleston, and Washington, D.C.
Art in the Park Event Planning
The board discussed organizing Art in the Park as a fundraiser with suggested donations for activities like rock painting. Members are also looking into local volunteer opportunities at shelters and museums.
Transfer of Oak Ridge High School Property to History Museum
The city manager brought forward a proposal to transfer a portion of the Oak Ridge High School property to support the Oak Ridge History Museum.
Poet Laureate Position and Compensation
The advisory board is extending the Poet Laureate application window and discussing ways to properly compensate cultural figures like the Poet Laureate and Historian through stipends or expense reimbursements.