APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – You might notice some longer grass and more litter than you’re used to seeing around Appleton parks this year.
The grounds division has had a hard time getting people to come work.
City Grounds Manager Greg Hoekstra says there are still many openings for seasonal positions. He tells FOX 11 college students, who usually take these spots, aren’t filling them up.
“We’re gonna concentrate our efforts around the high visible areas, around playgrounds, around the baseball diamonds, sports courts,” Hoekstra said. “And outer reaches of some of the parks will maybe not get the trimmings and litter picking attention that they would normally get.”
Usually by this time of year, 18 to 19 people are working the grounds, but right now only 8 of those positions are filled.
Hoekstra adds this as a potential reason why.
“We’re probably a little behind on the wages compared to everybody else.”
Hoekstra says every year there’s a small increase in pay.
In 2021, he believes the starting wage was $10.98.
This year they bumped it up to the highest wage category at $12.90.
Fishing at Appleton Memorial Park, John Guzowski says it’s hard recruiting people with inflation around.
“Hard to get people to work for a decent wage.”
But he thinks a wage increase could be beneficial.
“It might incrementally increase that. Maybe a bonus would be a little better than a wage increase.”
That’s actually part of the plan.
They’re giving $50 for referrals, $100 if someone stays until the end of July, and an additional $100 if they stay until the end of the season.
Even with the changes, Hoekstra doesn’t know if he’ll be able to field a full staff this season.
“Hopefully we can get that straightened out for next year. And make things attractive to get people in next year.”
Parks Department is asking parks users to pick up their trash and clean up after themselves.
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