Parks and Recreation reports low summer youth enrollments, hiring progress and lifeguard shortages

Amy, a parks recreation staff member, briefed the committee on summer youth programming, staffing and facility operations.

Amy said the department hired eight summer youth assistants and has two county interns still working; several other interns did not continue because working with children was not a good fit. She said weekly program registrations so far were low compared with past years: 15 participants in week 1, 19 in week 2, 16 in week 3 and 16 so far in the current week.

“Today we had four new kids register on a Monday for this week,” Amy said, and added she has left registration open instead of closing a week early to accommodate additional sign-ups.

Amy said the mayor visited the program to read to children, the zoo will visit with reptiles, and field trips and guest visits have been well received. She also noted the department is pursuing a $30,000 grant (speaker identified as Claire in the meeting context) to support programming.

On facilities, Amy said doors and exterior finish work have been delayed because contractors (Griegos and Two Horse Construction) have not responded. She said aquatics staff have had to close the aquatic center on Saturdays due to insufficient lifeguards; the department is recruiting and training lifeguards but staffing remains variable.

Amy also reported contact from a resident interested in starting a roller-skating program; staff have offered Gym 2 (rubber floor) or other options while assessing impact on court surfaces. Committee members discussed scheduling and facility use but took no formal votes.