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Recreation and Parks seeks funds for new park operations, West County Swim Center design and childcare adjustments
Summary
Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks told the County Council that FY26 operating needs rise due to wage and seasonal staff costs, utilities, and new amenities; the department requested new park operations staff, proposed modest user‑fee increases, and outlined capital priorities including the West County Swim Center and Quiet Waters projects.
Anne Arundel County’s Department of Recreation and Parks outlined FY26 operating increases tied to staffing, utilities and new amenities brought online and requested capital support for multiple multi‑year construction projects.
Director Jessica Leys told the County Council the department’s FY26 general fund request reflects an 88.2% increase in a category driven largely by personal services (seasonal and part‑time staffing) and utility cost increases. She said part of the larger personal‑services number reflects cost‑of‑living adjustments that also apply to seasonal staff, and that the department relies on roughly 850 part‑time and seasonal employees in addition to 55 full‑time positions.
Leys said the department is requesting operating staff tied to completed or imminent capital work: two full‑time maintenance workers and two seasonal temps for new parks coming online (McNew Community Garden, Millersville Park, Brooklyn Heights); a park ranger and maintenance worker for expanded trails; and staffing (including seasonal positions) to open a new splash pad at the North Aquatic Center. The department also proposed raising Quiet Waters Park daily vehicle entry fees from $6 to $8, increasing resident annual passes from $30 to $40 and non‑resident annual passes to $50 — a change the department estimates would generate about $375,000.
On childcare, Recreation and Parks said it operates 53 sites and serves nearly 3,000 children. The department proposed expanding a child enrichment center at Van Bokkelen Elementary (these enrichment centers charge $5 per month and are targeted to Title I/community school areas) and increasing regular child‑care monthly fees from $425 to $460 (figures prorated in the transcript) and implementing an early‑dismissal surcharge of $10 per day and a nonrefundable registration fee; the department estimated the fee changes would generate about $400,000 to support service sustainability.
On capital, Chief of Planning and Construction Bruce Bucci reviewed multi‑year projects already underway or planned: major shoreline and building work at Fort Smallwood Park (visitor center, maintenance building, completed beachfront comfort station), Quiet Waters Park rehabilitation, South Shore Trail construction, Broadneck Peninsula Trail nearing completion, facilities lighting and irrigation programs, park renovations countywide, Tanyard Springs Park opening, and the West County Swim Center design work. Bucci said the West County Swim Center location has been selected on Race Road, design is at roughly 30% and the county has engaged local development counsel for potential local development council (LDC) support; construction funding would be requested in out years.
Councilmembers asked about specific park projects (Corcoran comfort station, Deal Park completion and drainage/stormwater permitting), Severnanza Park expansion and whether additional fields would be included; staff described ongoing design, environmental constraints and further public engagement. No formal appropriations or personnel actions were taken during the presentation; council review will continue through the overall FY26 budget process.
