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Commission discusses pool funding, vandalism and partnership options for youth programs
Summary
The commission reviewed the city’s tight 2025 budget and discussed risks to summer programming and the pool, asked staff for operating cost figures, and explored partnerships with YMCA, Boys & Girls Club and service organizations to sustain recreation offerings.
Sunnyside City’s Community and Economic Development Commission spent part of its meeting focused on parks and recreation funding, with members warning the city’s tight 2025 budget places the municipal pool and youth programs at risk.
Commission members said the city’s adopted budget currently funds insurance and maintenance for the pool but does not cover seasonal staffing and operations, meaning opening the pool in June could be uncertain unless alternative funding or partnerships are secured. Members asked staff for a clear accounting of last year’s pool operating costs and the city’s 2025 budget allocation to determine the funding shortfall.
Commissioners discussed several short-term and longer-term options: recruiting service organizations and local nonprofits to help operate programs, pursuing grants, arranging sponsorships, and exploring partnerships with the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club. One commissioner offered to contact regional Rotary and Boys & Girls Club leaders to coordinate fundraising and program support. Staff said outreach to those organizations was already under way in some cases and that the commission’s engagement could accelerate results.
Members also raised facility maintenance and safety concerns. Staff reported the city’s graffiti-abatement trailer and key equipment were recently stolen, temporarily limiting the city’s ability to remove graffiti. Commissioners asked staff to document the vandalism, report insurance or replacement costs, and provide options for interim abatement while equipment is replaced.
Recreation amenities beyond the pool drew discussion: commissioners noted interest in adding pickleball courts and a pump track for bikes and scooters. They asked staff to return with cost and maintenance estimates and to clarify who would operate and maintain new facilities if they are built. Several members said ad-hoc volunteer or commission-led subcommittees could pilot fundraising or programmatic efforts while the city seeks more stable funding.
The commission asked staff to prepare three items for the next meeting: (1) an itemized accounting of pool operating expenses for the prior year and the 2025 budget line for pool insurance and maintenance; (2) a short memo on the stolen graffiti-removal equipment and replacement options; and (3) a list of potential partner organizations (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Rotary) and contacts for fund-raising and program support.
