Allentown presents 2026 Parks & Recreation budget and near-final parks master plan

Miss Delino, Parks and Recreation staff presenter, told the Allentown City Council that the proposed 2026 Parks & Recreation budget maintains most line items while advancing access, sustainability and staff safety. “This budget has a strategic focus,” Delino said, listing priorities that include a new park facility for employee safety, trail projects, completion of the parks master plan, an urban forestry plan, and expanded aquatics and recreation programs.

The department manages 67 full‑time employees and about 200 part‑time seasonal workers and oversees more than 2,000 acres of parks and public landscapes. Delino described the maintenance bureau as a 53‑person team that handles trees, trails, athletic fields, special events support, snow and leaf removal and downtown beautification. She said most budget increases are contractual — seasonals, porta‑potty contracts and certifications for staff — and that the chemical budget remains largely flat despite price increases because about 80% of that line funds pool chemicals.

Responding to community feedback, Delino said the budget adds one new restroom at Fountain Park. “The restrooms that we're thinking of are pretty...out‑of‑the‑box solutions,” she said, describing permanent, trailer‑style park restrooms that could be installed quickly and estimating a possible second‑quarter 2026 timeline…