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Parks and Rec outlines programming scale and flags a supervisor vacancy freeze that could cut programs
Summary
Recreation staff told commissioners the division runs 1,300+ programs (58% aquatics), has 8 full‑time and roughly 170 hourly staff, and that the STEAM/arts program supervisor vacancy is frozen pending the state legislative session—creating a risk of program reductions if the position remains unfilled.
Brad, the city’s recreation superintendent, briefed the commission on the recreation division’s scope, staffing levels and a staffing freeze that could require program reductions.
Brad said the division offered more than 1,300 programs in 2024, with about 58% of those in aquatics (mostly swim lessons). He provided staffing numbers: eight full‑time recreation staff and approximately 170 hourly staff during the year, rising to about 220 during the summer. Hourly staff logged 85,759 hours in 2024, which Brad said equates to about 41 full‑time equivalents.
On staffing and budget risk, Brad said the city is operating "pretty lean" and some open positions across the city are frozen while the municipal budget and the Iowa Legislature’s work on property tax remain unresolved. He said the recreation division’s STEAM/arts/nature program supervisor position (the role that Joyce Carroll held) is being put on hold for now: "This position ... is not gonna be hired for right away. There's some uncertainty about that."
Why it matters: the STEAM/arts/nature supervisor managed roughly one‑fifth of the division’s programming. Brad warned that if the position is not filled after the legislative session, the department will need to reassign responsibilities across remaining supervisors and "there will need to be program cuts if we have 1 less supervisor." He said the department plans to continue most spring and summer programming using trained hourly staff but that longer‑term cuts could be required.
Staffing, programs and facilities
Brad walked commissioners through the division’s operational footprint: two recreation centers (Robert A. Lee and Mercer Park), City Park pool and other indoor pools, the Ashton House adaptive recreation hub, two dog parks, Terry Trueblood Lodge (event rentals), community gardens, and the Iowa City Farmers Market. He also described program administration: three activity guides per year, a large seasonal hiring effort (50–60 seasonal positions expected), and partnerships with the Iowa City Community School District and local swim clubs.
Retirement and succession
Brad announced that longtime staff member Joyce Carroll retired after 45 years; he said department leaders are managing the responsibilities she carried across arts, pottery, nature education, gardening, STEAM programming and summer camps. Brad said temporary staff are trained and the department will attempt to sustain spring and summer offerings while awaiting a final hiring decision after the state legislative session.
Ending
Brad said he will present the operating budget to City Council next Monday and that decisions about hiring frozen positions will depend on the city’s fiscal outlook and any state policy changes. He asked commissioners to expect a largely status quo service level through the coming summer unless the legislature or city budget compels further cuts.
