Parks & Rec budget adopted: department reports $17 million program, $6.2M capital fund and staff increases

The Parks and Recreation Department’s adopted FY2025–26 budget was presented at the Aug. 6 commission meeting, with staff summarizing totals and several staffing and capital priorities. The department’s adopted budget is ‘‘just a little over $17,000,000,’’ staff said; the capital fund was listed at approximately $6,200,000 plus contingency, personnel expenses just shy of $6,000,000 and operating and maintenance near $3,000,000. Grants were listed at $828,000, the senior services fund at about $160,000, and the development fund at roughly $1,000,000 with contingencies for projects such as proposed pickleball courts.

Staff announced personnel changes included a promoted senior park ranger (to provide better night supervision), an additional maintenance worker and upgrading a parts/maintenance mechanic assistant from part-time to full-time to support pool, Multi-Gen Center and small equipment maintenance. Staff noted some projects may come in under or over estimates and said they are awaiting final numbers on the pickleball and rodeo grounds bids as negotiations conclude.

Why it matters: The budget frames staffing levels and capital projects for the coming year, including large investments such as the rodeo grounds renovation, irrigation upgrades at Prospector Park and other park infrastructure. Commissioners were briefed on how the budget aligns with the department’s strategic priorities and were told staff will return with updates as contracts are finalized.