Fresno Parks Department reports over 19000 unique residents participated in 2023 programs

Fresno's Parks and Recreation programs have made significant strides in community engagement, with over 19,000 residents participating in various activities in 2023, according to a recent report presented at the Fresno Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission meeting. This impressive figure translates to more than half a million total attendances, showcasing a reach of 3.5% of the city's population of 551,135.

The report highlighted a new data collection method that allows for better tracking of unique participants and attendance trends over time. This year, the Parks Department is able to differentiate between unique individuals and total attendance, providing a clearer picture of community involvement. Notably, attendance figures exceeded the total population, indicating that many residents participated in multiple programs.

Among the standout programs, the aquatics initiative saw nearly 2,900 residents enrolled in swim lessons, while approximately 25,000 participated in recreational swimming. The adaptive recreation and after-school programs also reported strong engagement, with 382 and over 1,500 participants, respectively. The youth sports fee waiver program, launched late in the season, has already approved 258 households, demonstrating a growing demand for accessible sports opportunities.

The meeting also addressed the importance of senior programming, which has seen substantial participation, with attendance figures suggesting that seniors are utilizing community center offerings more than youth programs. This trend highlights the diverse needs of Fresno's residents and the Parks Department's commitment to serving all age groups.

In addition to program participation, the report noted the successful restart of the senior hot meals program, which served approximately 6,800 meals to seniors, and the implementation of the Spark program in partnership with Fresno Unified, reaching over 2,000 youth.

As the Parks Department continues to refine its programs and outreach efforts, the community can expect ongoing improvements in accessibility and engagement, ensuring that Fresno's parks and recreation services meet the evolving needs of its residents.