Wilmington parks budget would fund youth programs, pool upkeep and $3 million in capital park work

The Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation proposed a $13.9 million operating budget for FY2026, department leaders told the City Council finance committee, emphasizing expanded youth offerings, continued summer meal service and a $3 million capital package to renovate multiple parks.

Director Melody Phillips, acting director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said the departmentrequest reflects increases in personnel costs, temporary staff to run meal sites and planned capital work at parks across the city's eight council districts. "Our mission of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to preserve and enhance urban park lands through environmentally safe practices," Phillips said.

The budget documents presented by OMB analyst Mr. Naheed show the department's operating request of $13.9 million is up roughly 11.3 percent from FY2025, with a general fund request of about $11.7 million (up about 7.2 percent). Notable line items include roughly $643,000 more for personal services, a $384,000 increase in temporary salaries tied to expanded summer food and child/adult care programs, and a roughly $36,000 rise in materials and supplies.

The committee heard…