Albert Lea city officials are once again evaluating whether to make changes to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said he is evaluating the possibility of incorporating the services of the Parks and Recreation Department under other departments, and eliminating the parks and recreation director position. There is no plan to eliminate other existing department positions.

Adams said parks services could be incorporated with the Public Works Department, and recreation services could be reorganized into a collaborative effort with other city agencies, such as the Albert Lea Family Y, Albert Lea Area Schools and Albert Lea Community Education.

He said the changes would reduce costs and increase efficiency by providing residents a one-stop shop for recreational services, and noted the changes would not downgrade parks or recreation services.

The Albert Lea City Council rejected a similar proposed reorganization for the department  in November 2014 by a 5-2 vote. Adams hopes to evaluate the option at a slower pace than was done two years ago.

He said he is planning on gathering feedback from the community this spring and discussing the issue with the City Council. Depending on feedback, the department could remain as is.

He said the director position could be filled again or a new position could be created in the organization to fill the vacancy.

Two positions have been filled at the Parks and Recreation Department after longtime Director Jay Hutchison retired last month.

Bob Furland has been appointed interim director of recreation and Joe Grossman has been appointed interim director of parks while officials review long-term options over the next couple months.

Grossman is reporting to the Public Works Department, and Furland is reporting to Adams.

Fourth Ward Councilor Reid Olson said he wants to see how the situation progresses before deciding on whether to hire another full-time director.

Third Ward Councilor George Marin said he does not want to see the department farmed out to other departments.

He said his constituents have told him they want to see the department remain intact and said it is important to the quality of life in Albert Lea.