Rich Williams, director of Parks and Recreation, told the council on Oct. 27 that the department’s FY2026 operating budget is approximately $9.1 million, with personnel comprising about 78 percent of operating costs and 36.5 full‑time positions (two currently vacant pending Veterans Park opening).

Williams said the department is budgeted to generate $5.5 million in FY2026 (about 60% cost recovery) and that FY2025 actuals were about $5.9 million (68% recovery). Major revenue sources include recreation center admissions/memberships, tennis (which he said nets roughly $670,000 annually), the outdoor pool (an annual net of about $100,000–$125,000) and aquatics classes.

Williams described capital activity including playground replacements, a W&OD trail lighting project planned in FY2027 and the upcoming Veterans Park at Balls Bluff and a new pickleball court complex, both expected to open in late spring/early summer. He said the department maintains a multi‑year CARP replacement program for equipment and facilities and typically defers some replacements because demand exceeds available CARP funds.

Williams highlighted workforce challenges around part‑time staffing — the department employs more than 400 seasonal/part‑time staff and faces market competition for those workers — and said occasional mid‑year market adjustments to part‑time wages are sometimes necessary. He said the department has launched a mobile app to simplify reservations and transactions and is completing a comprehensive parks and recreation master plan expected by late spring next year.

Councilmembers asked about revenue impacts of future capital projects (pool/locker‑room rehabilitation in FY2028–2030) and whether department fees are competitive; Williams said fees tend to be toward the higher end of comparable providers and that the department conducts periodic market reviews.

Williams said the town’s cost‑recovery rate (mid‑60s) is well above Loudoun County and national averages (around 37%–38%) and that the department tries to balance affordability with market‑rate pricing.