Lawrence Parks & Recreation outlines $1.8M target cuts; membership fees and service reductions proposed to avoid deeper layoffs

Lawrence Parks & Recreation staff on the advisory board discussed a proposed package of cuts and revenue options to meet a roughly $1.8 million budget reduction target for 2026, including service reductions in parks, fewer part‑time hours, program‑staff reductions and a plan to introduce paid memberships at city recreation centers.

“After the balancing act … our final target reduction is $1,800,000 from our budget,” Parks & Recreation Director Luis told the board, calling the figure about a 10% reduction to the department’s general‑fund operating expenses. He said staff are working to limit the most damaging impacts by mixing service reductions with new revenue.

Key elements presented:

- Target and scope: The department said it must identify about $1.8 million in reductions. Preliminary plans would reduce roughly $1.0 million from parks, trails, open spaces and golf operations and about $700,000–$800,000 from recreation programming and facilities.

- Service changes: Mowing frequency could be reduced, some restroom or shelter replacements deferred, routine vehicle replacements delayed and contracted tree work cut by approximately 60%. The department expects visible reductions in park maintenance and extended life cycles for equipment.

- Staffing and programs: The department has already eliminated three positions and will reduce part‑time staffing by about 30% (a number staff cited as roughly 130,000 in payroll savings). Two programmer positions were eliminated earlier, leaving one staffer handling sports programming. Directors warned some programming and facility hours could be curtailed as a result.

- Facilities: One scenario would limit or close the community building to walk‑in traffic outside scheduled programs, producing an estimated reduction of about $50,000. Sports Pavilion hours and early‑morning opening times are also under review.

- New revenue: Staff proposed membership fees for recreation centers and stepped increases in program and rental fees. The department said a conservative membership revenue projection of $500,000 would materially reduce required cuts; staff said a mix of membership, fees and sponsorships could offset roughly $500,000 of the target if implemented carefully. “We’re being very conservative,” Luis said, adding the department wants to preserve scholarship programs and avoid cutting access for low‑income residents.

- Timeline: The city manager’s recommended budget is scheduled for July 8; the commission will consider the proposed budget before final approval in September. Staff said they plan public engagement on fee proposals and will bring more detailed membership options to the board before the July recommendation.

Board members raised equity and youth‑program concerns. “I just wanna be very mindful about its negative impact on young people … that scares me,” one board member said, stressing potential loss of after‑school safe spaces if hours or staffing are cut. Another commissioner urged early publication of proposed fee schedules to allow public comment.

Luis said the department will seek communications and outreach support and present fee and membership proposals for board review in June before the July city manager recommendation. He said staff also are exploring sponsorship and naming opportunities as longer‑term revenue sources but warned those would not replace near‑term choices needed for the 2026 budget.

No formal budget decision was made by the advisory board at the meeting; the presentation reflected staff planning and direction from the city commission for target reductions. Staff emphasized they are using previously agreed‑upon rubrics and the city’s balancing process to prioritize which services to cut.

What’s next: Parks & Recreation will return with concrete membership fee proposals and an implementation plan, including scholarship and equity measures, in time for public comment ahead of the July 8 city manager recommended budget.