Parks department seeks 11% FY26 increase, highlights new park rangers, APS joint‑use agreement and land acquisitions

Justin Cutler, commissioner of the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, told the City Council Budget Committee that the department’s proposed fiscal 2026 budget represents about an 11% increase from the prior year and emphasizes staffing, seasonal programming, utilities and expanded parkland acquisitions.

“This budget represents a 10.6% increase to personnel, supplies, and materials to keep pace with cost, cover increasing utility cost, and right size our budget to cover extra help for seasonal programming,” Cutler said.

Cutler highlighted several FY25 accomplishments and FY26 priorities. The department executed a joint‑use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools that expands community access to school playgrounds, gymnasiums and fields and allows APS reciprocal access to DPR pools, golf courses and tennis centers. The department estimated the agreement will save APS about $500,000 in potential rental fees while providing DPR access to at least six additional school gyms.

Cutler said Atlanta improved its ParkScore ranking in 2024, reporting its highest finish in the index since tracking began. He described investments made with park…