Read Article LEWISTON — City officials are planning an overhaul of the Recreation Department, which was hit with budget cuts and saw staff turnover due to COVID-19. Heading into budget discussions this year, city staff is developing a strategic plan for the department, which officials hope will result in better programs and better utilization of Lewiston’s athletic facilities. During a workshop discussion with the City Council on Tuesday, Public Works Director Mary Ann Brenchick, who oversees the recreation division, pitched the planning as “a new vision” for the department. She said the idea is to take a comprehensive look at the past successes and failures of the department, and to develop programs that are more beneficial to the community. The department is looking to collaborate more closely with the school department in hopes of offering more after-school programming, and to make athletic facilities more accessible to the community.