City recreation staff told the Richland Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 9 that youth programs are expanding, with youth basketball enrollment exceeding pre‑COVID levels and new offerings planned for spring and summer.

The recreation update centered on youth sports and seasonal events. “He has over 720 kiddos in our youth basketball program,” Recreation Supervisor Julie Piper said, describing the program as exceeding pre‑pandemic levels and supported by roughly 70 teams and nearly 80 coaches. Piper said practices for grades 1 through 6 will begin next week and that staff still need about a dozen more coaches.

Piper said the department opened registration for the All Cities Volleyball League and expanded capacity after trimming intercity travel: “We’ve been able to open up double the spots,” she said, describing 48 roster spots for both the 5th–6th and 7th–8th grade divisions and a new development program for 3rd–4th graders. She also described a kindergarten‑level flag football offering that emphasizes parent participation rather than weekly games.

Other upcoming programs and dates cited by Piper include free family bingo on Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 22 (and a tentative April date), and a hands‑only CPR class on Feb. 11 to be taught by Richland Fire Department staff. Piper said spring flag football registration opens later in January and she expects roughly 150 youth to participate in that program.

Piper also previewed larger summer events and staffing needs: she said event applications are arriving and that Ironman and Cool Desert Nights planning is underway. She encouraged applicants for seasonal positions, including lifeguards and parks laborers, and said lifeguard and parks postings will appear soon.

The presentation drew brief commissioner praise for the programs and an exchange about recruiting coaches; Piper said recruitment relies on parents and relatives who register children, local outreach, social media and volunteers such as high school students seeking service hours.

Commissioners asked for follow‑up about staffing and program logistics; no formal action was taken on the report.

The commission will receive additional details on seasonal hiring and event planning as those processes move forward.