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Council approves 2025 parks programs; parents propose free community skate lessons
Summary
Council approved a slate of 2025 recreational programs for borough parks, including free and paid offerings. Parks director and volunteers said insurance certificates and site assignments are pending; a group of parents presented a free skate‑lessons pilot and volunteers offered loaner boards and helmets.
West Chester Borough council approved the 2025 parks programming package, authorizing the borough manager to sign agreements with multiple vendors to run youth and adult activities in borough parks.
The parks director, Keith Carouse, told council the packet contained programs previously run in prior years plus four additional programs confirmed since the committee review. He said two programs were awaiting certificates of insurance (COIs) pending final approval and that the recreation commission is implementing a standard operating procedure to streamline approvals going forward.
Key points and public comment: - Program locations: Most programs will use Hoops Park and other established park facilities; staff said final location information will be updated in program listings. - Registration and revenue split: Some larger vendors will handle their own registration; the borough will verify attendance and has historical practice of spot checks to confirm reported enrollment. The borough receives an 80/20 revenue split on some paid programs. - Insurance and fees: The director said organizations must supply COIs; council discussed whether to charge the vendors facility rental fees (weekday $25, weekend $75) to offset borough costs. Staff said the borough can seek nominal rental fees where appropriate.
A group of parents and local skateboarders asked council to allow a free, volunteer‑run skate program for younger children at borough courts. The volunteers offered to provide helmets and loaner skateboards, to run parent‑training and to secure a COI; parks staff said the borough requires COIs and waivers and staff will work with the volunteers to confirm compliance before programs begin.
Outcome: Council approved the 2025 parks programming slate and directed staff to finalize locations, insurance certificates and administrative procedures for vendor registration. The parks director said he will implement a clearer SOP for program agreements and scheduling.
Ending: Parks staff and volunteer organizers said they will finalize COIs and registration details and work with the recreation commission on a consistent approval timeline so programs can be advertised ahead of the season.
