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Parks and Recreation proposes fees, Rudder Park fountain work and staffing for summer programs
Summary
Parks and Recreation presented the FY26 budget with fee adjustments for programs and rentals, capital spending for the Rudder Park fountain and pool repairs, and plans for seasonal hiring to support summer camps and open pools.
Parks and Recreation Director Brett presented the department’s FY26 budget to the Committee of the Whole on April 21, detailing fee changes, capital projects and seasonal-hiring plans ahead of the summer season.
The department included several fee adjustments that take effect July 1, including updated charges for show-mobile and riverwalk rentals, increased youth sports and camp fees, and swim-lesson and athletic-field rates. Brett said those increases are aligned with program costs and with prior practice to apply small, formula-driven adjustments.
On capital projects, Parks staff proposed adding funds to restore the Rudder Park fountain (a prior estimate of $420,000 from 2015 was likely insufficient in 2025 dollars; the budget adds another $500,000 to the prior $100,000 allocation), repairs at Turner Dodge, Geyer and Fenner parks, tennis and basketball court improvements, and pool repairs at Hunter Park. Brett said the Rudder Park project will go out to bid for engineering and design services.
Brett told council that seasonal hiring is underway for summer camps and lifeguards; lifeguard recruitment was reported as sufficiently successful to fully staff Hunter Park Pool this season. He said the department has six employee departures in the past year, three due to retirement, and that several vacancies remain to be filled; some positions already were rehired.
Council members raised questions about ongoing contract work with United (mowing and grounds services) and noted prior performance issues on playground surfaces and litter pickup; Brett said the department enforces contract standards and can withhold payment or require fixes where work does not meet specifications. Council members also discussed stump grinding and the limits of in-house capacity for such projects.
Brett said the cemetery fund will continue to require subsidy due to a shift from full burials to more cremations; the department projects a continued need for general-fund support for cemetery operations.
What’s next: Parks will proceed with design procurement for the Rudder Park fountain, continue seasonal hiring (including lifeguards and programming staff), and provide follow-up information on contractor costs and the cemetery subsidy.
