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Taneytown board weighs indoor rec facility, pump track surface and public-restroom tradeoffs in FY2026 planning
Summary
Advisory board members discussed budgeting for a pump track (packed gravel vs. asphalt), long-standing calls for permanent restrooms, and community interest in an indoor recreation center and pool; staff said maintenance, vandalism and recurring costs are key constraints.
Taneytown Parks & Recreation advisory board members devoted a portion of their Jan. 15 meeting to budget priorities for fiscal year 2026, centering discussion on the pump track surface, permanent restrooms and community interest in an indoor recreation facility and pool.
Lorena (Parks & Recreation staff) told the board she has received financial requests and is preparing the FY2026 draft budget, and said she will distribute a breakout of available funds and may ask leagues to rank priorities if allocations are limited. "Depending on how much is allocated, I may have to come back to you all and ask what your priorities are in those requests," she said.
Pump track and surfacing Staff proposed using compacted gravel for the pump track rather than asphalt because asphalt would be substantially more expensive. The board discussed trade-offs between cost and long-term maintenance.
Restrooms: costs, vandalism and operational models Board members raised a recurring request for permanent restrooms at major park locations. Members and staff said vandalism, maintenance and staffing are the principal obstacles. Lorena noted local experience with vandalism at other jurisdictions and said many towns have had to block permanent facilities due to repeated damage. Board members suggested options including: - Opening a permanent unit only during scheduled events and locking it at other times - Using a punch-code or keyed access that event organizers or athletic leaders manage - Seeking grant funding to offset construction and ongoing maintenance
Indoor recreation facility and pool The group discussed results from a recent community survey (Arrow/consultant presentation) that showed community interest in a community center and pool. Board members emphasized that operating costs often make municipal community centers financially unsustainable without outside partners or ongoing dedicated funding. The proposed Memorial Park building will include restrooms and a multipurpose room — staff said the facility ceilings will be high enough to allow some indoor uses — and cheer representatives have indicated they plan to fundraise for a sprung floor.
Budget process and next steps Lorena said she received budget worksheets and will work with DPW staff (Randy and Shane) to factor operational needs, including winter snow removal, sewer- and waterline rehab work in Memorial Park, and routine maintenance. She asked board members to submit any additional project requests and said the town's budget schedule (deadlines) is still being finalized.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve minutes from Nov. 13, 2024: moved and seconded; minutes were approved by voice vote. - Election of secretary (Mackenzie Kilby): nomination moved and seconded; board voted aye and Kilby was elected. - Motion to adjourn: moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.
Ending: Staff will complete the FY2026 draft and distribute the proposed allocations to the board; members encouraged watching for grant opportunities to fund restrooms or facility enhancements.
