Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Recreation coordinator reports rising participation; online registration and new partnerships cited
Summary
Jordan Anderson, recreation program coordinator, told the Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Commission that youth and adult program registrations are up about 10–15% year over year, crediting online registration and stronger outreach. Staff flagged capacity, referee recruitment and a forthcoming MOU with North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits.
Jordan Anderson, the city’s recreation program coordinator, told the Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Commission on Feb. 24 that participation across youth and adult programs has increased this year.
Anderson said winter basketball programs involved just over 900 children across about 90–95 teams and that spring soccer registration is already open for kindergarten through eighth grade, with an expected 600–700 participants. He told commissioners that swim lessons run year-round in six-week sessions and that the new session registered about 30 children — near capacity for that offering. Adult softball registration, now moved online, is expected to draw about 80–90 teams. Anderson also described a tee-ball camp for 3- and 4-year-olds that has drawn 20–30 children across multiple sessions.
"We've seen an increase of 10 to 15% year over year the last couple [of years]," Anderson said, attributing most of the growth to the department's switch to online registration and expanded outreach through the department website and social media.
Anderson said the department has accommodated growth so far with existing fields, gym partnerships and staff; he named the McGrain Center as a continuing partner for gym space. He identified referee recruitment as a pressure point, noting third- through eighth-grade leagues have been "a little thin" and that a newer staff member, Connor, and Anderson himself — both high-school officials — are training new referees.
The coordinator said the department is negotiating a memorandum of understanding with North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits that could add sailing, kayaking and rafting programs; Anderson said he expects a MOU to be presented to the commission in the coming months. He also said adult softball registration moving online has improved accessibility for users.
Commissioners praised outreach and coaching efforts during the update. No formal action was taken; the item was presented for information.
The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for March 17 in the Library Community Room.
