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Rec, parks and library report program growth and ask council for Sunday library hours and indoor rec space planning
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Summary
Recreation and parks reported program and event growth, expanded outreach and increased revenues; the library requested funding to open on Sundays and described rising room‑reservation demand and program attendance.
Recreation and Parks and the South Burlington Public Library presented a joint update at the Dec. 12 budget retreat, reporting robust growth in programs and public use and asking for targeted FY26 investments to expand hours and indoor capacity.
Recreation and Parks staff reported that community events have roughly tripled and programming nearly doubled year‑over‑year in FY24, with about 20,000 estimated participants across events and programs. Adam (Recreation staff) said the department increased adult programming, added mobile “Rec on the Go” events and partnered with Champlain Housing Trust and local transportation providers to expand access to events. He said program revenue now offsets a higher share of costs and that the department’s events and programs that track registrations are about 90% self‑funded.
Staff highlighted a shortage of indoor recreation space. The department currently uses school gymnasiums and UMall space for programs but said scheduling limits and lack of a permanent city facility reduce efficiency and increase setup and teardown time. The department is investigating partnerships, including continued discussions with the UMall owner about future co‑location as the mall redevelops.
The library reported rising demand after its move to a new building: FY24 saw a 22% increase in visits and a 13% rise in physical checkouts compared with FY23. The library also handled about 10,000 room‑reservation attendees in FY24 and said that room rental revenues are increasing. Library leadership asked the council to consider funding to add Sunday hours — making the library open seven days a week — citing feedback from new residents and high demand for quiet study, Wi‑Fi access and programs.
Both departments said equity and access remain priorities: recreation offered shuttle services, round‑trip rides for residents who need transportation to events, and the library is piloting outreach events (“Welcome Neighbors”) to serve recently arriving households.
Ending: Staff said they will return to the council with cost estimates for Sunday library hours and with the parks and indoor‑space master plan recommendations to guide FY27 and beyond.
