Parks and Recreation staff reported higher year‑to‑date revenue for January through June compared with the same period last year and said department cash on hand at June 30 was about $1,480,000.

Staff highlighted strong participation at free community events and successes in marketing and sponsorships. Red, White and Boom recorded roughly 4,000 attendees this month, and Open Streets (ACT on Douglas) has historically drawn up to about 35,000 people along a multi‑block stretch, staff said. Marketing posts tied to a recent inclusive playground ribbon‑cutting generated broad social engagement.

Staff described three event expense categories—(1) infrastructure (barricades, portable restrooms, temporary traffic control), (2) operations (notifications, signage, staging), and (3) entertainment (performers, inflatables, fireworks)—and said the department uses a mix of sponsors, donations, vendor fees and in‑kind trades to reduce net costs. Staff named Evergy, Meridraft, Coca‑Cola and Blue Cross Blue Shield among annual sponsors for various events.

Angela Butler, recreation superintendent, reviewed program metrics and participation for camps, nature‑center offerings and seasonal activities. Butler said the department is “still looking at the same time frame” as last year for pool season wrap‑up and expects pools to close around Aug. 1. Butler reported the Great Plains Nature Center’s Walk with Wildlife program drew 957 participants at a June event and noted 87 America the Beautiful access passes were issued in June.

Reggie (parks staff) summarized operational improvements and planning work, including upcoming vendor outreach for a parking master plan and a projected substantial completion of the Brewer Community Center construction in September. Reggie also gave a brief budget context: compared with last year the department has about $120,000 more revenue and roughly $90,000 lower expenses through the same timeframe.

Donations and partnerships: staff reported Shields provided a discount allowing purchase of 16 kayaks at about $49.95 each and donated nine additional kayaks, bringing the program total to 25 new kayaks for river float programs. Staff said those kayaks will support kayak floats scheduled in July and September and that the department is evaluating whether to expand rental options beyond self‑service stations.

Other updates included increased inspections and storm recovery work: park maintenance crews reported spikes in pruning, removals and emergency tasks after flooding; crews worked extended hours through June and prioritized openings for community events and ribbon cuttings. Staff also reported ongoing playground surfacing issues after flooding and are testing different underlayment and runoff solutions at affected sites.

No formal board votes were taken on these informational items. Staff will return with additional details on the parking master‑plan outreach and a timeline for Brewer Community Center occupancy and programming.