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Derby Recreation Commission reports steady membership, large volunteer contribution and programming growth
Summary
DRC Superintendent Chris Strum and staff presented the DRC annual report highlighting 2024 membership averages above 7,000 per month, nearly 31,000 attendees at Rock River Rapids water park in a peak year, 618 volunteers donating 9,000 hours and program expansions including culinary arts and youth services.
Chris Strum, superintendent of the Derby Recreation Commission (DRC), presented the DRC’s 2024 annual report to the Derby Board of Education on March 24 and highlighted membership, volunteer service and programmatic developments.
Strum said the DRC averaged 7,370 members per month at the rec center in 2024, the second year membership exceeded 7,000 for a full year. The DRC documented 618 volunteers contributing more than 9,000 hours with an estimated labor value of $536,000, and the commission provided $24,000 in program scholarships to allow resident participation.
Staff presenters said Rock River Rapids — the commission’s water park operation — hosted about 31,000 visitors in the year measured, a top-three year for attendance; the DRC also runs community events such as egg hunts, Halloween and Christmas in the Park that drew thousands of attendees. Program highlights included nearly 1,800 registered swimming-lesson registrations and nearly 500 second‑graders enrolled in the district’s "Unsinkables" water‑safety initiative by year end.
Financial notes in the presentation said grant revenues decreased by roughly $180,000 because of the expiration of a child-care sustainability grant. The DRC also invested in facility upkeep, including a new roof at the main building and concrete/gravel work at the Oak Lawn Activity Center parking area; staff reported roughly $33,000 in rental revenue from facilities in 2024.
Youth and after‑school programming numbers were emphasized: DRC youth services served hundreds of children in K–5 programs and after‑school stations, with middle‑school students using the rec center track and programs daily. The DRC said it is in the second year of a strategic plan for the Oak Lawn Activity Center focused on community needs and program fit.
The board thanked DRC staff and recognized the commission’s contributions to community health and local events. Trustees did not take action; the report was informational.
