About the Division

The Operations & Maintenance Division is responsible for keeping Newcastle’s public spaces and infrastructure safe, functional, and welcoming. The Division maintains parks, playgrounds, trails, streets, and stormwater systems, and provides support for community events. Through regular inspections, maintenance, and rapid response to hazards, the Division ensures City-owned spaces remain clean, accessible, and reliable.

Parks and Trails

The City maintains 164 acres across 19 parks, including 12 playgrounds, a historic cemetery, and other community assets such as gazebos, sports courts, and walking paths. Parks are maintained year-round to ensure they are safe, clean, and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Playgrounds are cleaned and inspected weekly to confirm equipment is in safe working condition. Much of the routine maintenance is performed by contractors, with City staff providing oversight and additional support.

The City also maintains approximately 12 miles of major trails. Trails are trimmed or mowed at least once each year and cleared of leaves during the fall and winter seasons. After storms, staff respond to remove fallen trees and debris to keep trails safe and open for public use.

Special Events

The Division supports several community events each year, including Newcastle Days and the annual July fireworks show. Staff help with setup, provide on-site support, and handle cleanup to ensure events run safely and public spaces are quickly restored. This work creates well-organized events that bring people together while keeping spaces safe and welcoming.

Stormwater System

The City maintains nearly 50 miles of stormwater pipes, more than 3,400 storm drains, 159 stormwater facilities like ponds and tanks, and 38 low-impact development sites. Staff regularly inspect, clean, and remove debris from these systems to keep them working properly. This helps protect local waterways, reduce pollution, and prevent flooding throughout the community.

Streets

The City maintains approximately 100 lane miles of streets. Staff monitor road conditions to keep travel safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Potholes are typically repaired within one business day. Crews also clean streets after storms and make sure street signs remain visible, correctly positioned, and in good condition.

How We Serve the Community

Safety is the top priority of the Operations & Maintenance Division, for both staff and the community. The Division is committed to maintaining City-owned infrastructure and providing safe, reliable access to parks, trails, and streets, so public spaces remain welcoming, enjoyable, and functional for everyone.