Ellensburg council approves first reading of parks-and-recreation fee ordinance, including proposed pool pass increases

The Ellensburg City Council conducted first reading of Ordinance 4959 on the evening of the meeting to amend Chapter 2.34 of the Ellensburg City Code, revising parks and recreation rates and fees for the Kittitas Valley Memorial Pool and Fitness Center, picnic shelters, athletic field use and tournament maintenance, and updating alcohol insurance requirements for city facilities.

Why it matters: Parks and recreation fees affect both routine users (seniors, veterans, youth and families) and local event organizers; the city's parks budget is heavily subsidized and staff said updates are needed to address rising operating costs and create a more sustainable revenue stream.

Parks and Recreation Director Brad Case told the council the proposal was developed as part of the 2025'26 budget priorities and would move several fee items out of code and make them publishable annually by the director. Case said the goals were to “increase revenues and reduce operational costs within the parks and recreation department as well as identify a sustainable revenue source.”

The ordinance proposes: increasing adult activity center hourly rental rates that have not been substantially updated since the 1980s;…