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Parks department proposes stepped fee increases, cites $4 million annual park visits and growing sponsorships
Summary
Parks and Recreation presented FY26 efficiencies, new and adjusted fees (including pavilion and facility rental increases phased over three years), and partnership changes that reduced July 4 costs; staff said the department recorded about 4 million park visits over 12 months and aims to increase cost recovery through fees and sponsorships.
Kimberly Terrell, director of arts and recreation, outlined parks and recreation operations, usage and a proposed set of fee changes on Aug. 21 as part of the City Council budget workshop.
Terrell said city parks and facilities recorded roughly 4,000,000 visits over the past 12 months, manage 2,500 park acres (about 1,403 developed) and operate 27 maintained parks and 23 miles of trails. The department also manages recreation programming, events, a farmers market and community partnerships.
Why it matters: Parks are heavily subsidized services. The department is proposing stepped fee increases aimed at increasing cost recovery for heavily used facilities, while maintaining subsidized access for public amenities. Staff framed the changes as incremental, monitored adjustments rather than immediate, large hikes.
Key presentation items
Usage and operations: Terrell said the Imperial Park Recreation Center and the T. E. Harmon Center support…
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