NCPRD board restores funding for Milwaukee Community Center's essential services

The City Council of Milwaukie held a regular session on June 3, 2025, where significant discussions centered around proposed budget cuts to the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) that could greatly affect the Milwaukie Community Center.

During the meeting, council members addressed the proposed cuts, which included staff reductions and the elimination of transportation services. One of the most impactful proposals was to close the community center entirely on Fridays. These cuts prompted a strong public response, with approximately 12 to 15 community members testifying against the budget reductions at a recent NCPRD budget meeting.

In response to the public outcry, the NCPRD board decided to restore funding for six months. This temporary measure aims to maintain transportation services and keep the community center open on Fridays while the district seeks alternative funding solutions and partnerships for long-term sustainability.

The discussion also highlighted the funding structure of the NCPRD, which relies on a mix of federal funding and general fund subsidies. It was noted that the district typically allocates 28% of its general fund to older adult services, sports leagues, and recreation programs, with the remaining funds supporting the aquatic center.

Concerns were raised about the potential implications of the budget cuts, particularly regarding the responsibility of providing senior services. Some council members expressed worries that the district might be shifting the burden of senior center operations to local cities, which could impact the unincorporated areas surrounding Milwaukie.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore further solutions to ensure the continued operation of essential community services, particularly for the senior population. The council plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings as they work towards a more sustainable funding model for the NCPRD.