Organized groups press Annapolis council to shift recreation funds to aftercare and field repairs

Dozens of residents, youth athletes and nonprofit leaders urged the Annapolis City Council on May 12 to redirect parts of the proposed fiscal 2026 parks and recreation budget toward after‑school care, scholarships, transportation and field maintenance rather than new offerings such as a proposed city football program.

The appeal came during the council’s public comment period on the annual budget ordinance (O10/25). Veil Garrity, executive director of Play Annapolis, told the council, “Every child, regardless of background, should have the access to the benefits of sports and recreation, belonging, mentorship, academic success, physical and mental well‑being to name a few,” and asked that “any increase in the latch key budget should go toward offering aftercare at these 3 schools” that currently lack it.

Play Annapolis, which Garrity said represents more than 4,000 youth athletes in partnership with 18 local nonprofits, provided council members a written summary of budget suggestions and repeated findings from a community survey of more than 300 families and 17 organizations. Speakers said the top barriers to participation were cost, poor field conditions and lack of access or…