Annapolis Recreation and Parks details Stanton Center overhaul, new programs and accessibility steps in budget briefing

Director Rosalind Johnson, director of Recreation and Parks, told the Finance Standing Committee on April 23 that the department is pursuing a multi‑phase renovation of Stanton Community Center, new inclusive programs and operational changes intended to lower access barriers for residents.

Johnson opened the presentation by describing recent programs and staff changes and said, “I have the best job ever.” She walked committee members through recent events — an Easter egg hunt that department materials said used 12,000 eggs — and new pilot programs such as a greeting/“superheroes” program that pairs people with developmental differences with front‑desk duties.

Why it matters: the department asked for a mix of capital and operating funding to support renovations and expanded programming at multiple facilities, including Stanton and Pitt Moyer; it flagged continuing needs for seasonal and part‑time lifeguards, additional full‑time staffing to extend hours at some centers and a plan to pursue federal and state earmarks to cover major capital costs.

Most important details

- Stanton Community Center: Johnson described a three‑phase plan. Phase 1 will include an interactive esports‑capable gym floor and a teaching kitchen; later phases include additional building work and a rooftop community garden and playground. Johnson said the department is still in the design phase and that installation of the new floor is subject to fabrication lead times; staff described a very aggressive target of late 2025/early 2026 but said a precise schedule is not yet final. The department also said…