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Parks director outlines FY26 parks budget, cemetery improvements and community event rules
Summary
Parks staff presented the FY26 parks budget, described savings from a cemetery irrigation conversion, proposed a multi‑phase Elkridge North renovation and requested guidance on concessions and recreation payment fees; council and staff discussed a proposed shed at the cemetery and clarifications about pumpkin walk fundraising constraints.
Ryan (Parks Department) and Jesse (Recreation) presented the proposed FY26 parks and recreation budget and answered council questions about projects, fundraising and operations.
Cemetery and maintenance: Ryan said a recent irrigation conversion at the cemetery has dramatically reduced culinary‑water costs in that area. He reported last year’s culinary water line item for the cemetery was about $42,000 but after moving irrigation to secondary water and installing a pump the major recurring culinary water expense dropped to the electrical cost for the pump (Ryan cited roughly $244 in electrical costs). Ryan said burials have increased (he cited nine burials this year) and proposed a multipurpose equipment shed and small restroom to support cemetery operations; Ryan identified a proposed FY26 budget line for a shed and said the design work is underway.
Elkridge North and RAPS grants: Ryan described a three‑phase plan for Elkridge North (new larger pavilion, reoriented basketball courts with additional hoops and pickleball lines, and a playground plus contained parking expansion). He said North Logan has historically received roughly $142,000 a year from RAPS grants (matching funds have been used) but noted the RAPS program terms have changed and staff will apply this cycle with updated project lists.
Pumpkin Walk and concessions: Council discussed whether food/beverage sales could be offered at events such as the Pumpkin Walk. Staff and council explained a historical stipulation tied to the park transfer requires that the Pumpkin Walk not be commercialized in a way that obligates attendees to pay to attend; Ryan said the city‑run hot‑chocolate sales at the event were structured so proceeds support the Pumpkin Walk and any food sales are run by the city to avoid private commercialization. Council asked staff to consider fundraising and concession models that comply with legal and historic constraints and to return with options.
Recreation and fees: Jesse noted rising credit‑card processing and service fees in the recreation revenue/expense lines (he cited roughly $20,000 in card fees across program lines) and asked council for ideas to reduce those costs; staff noted state rules affect payment platforms and encouraged council input on allowable options. Council members praised the parks and recreation participation numbers and noted high regional usage of city facilities.
No formal votes were taken on budget adoption at the Feb. 19 meeting; items were presented for council review ahead of budget decisions.
