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Auburn parks staff report rising teen attendance, expanded late-night events and staffing needs
Summary
Parks staff told council the rec center averaged 35—60 teens in September, reported 7,094 total program attendances last year, and described a $2 drop-in late-night event that drew 103 participants. Staff requested continued support for staffing, partnerships with the school district (bus service) and scholarship options for lower-income families.
Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation staff presented a detailed update on teen programs and facility operations at the Oct. 13 study session, emphasizing increased attendance, the transportation partnership with Auburn School District, and the staffing and funding needed to sustain and expand programming.
Monique Hokett, teen program coordinator, described the after-school Rec program, which runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. and follows the school district calendar. Hokett said the Auburn School District provides a bus from every middle school and two high schools, which has been key to access and enrollment. Staff reported 7,094 program attendances in the prior year and a September daily average of 35 to 60 teens.
The department highlighted monthly "Late Night" events (third Friday of the month, 2 to 9 p.m.) as a popular offering; the most recent Late Night attracted 103 teens. Programs include sports, arts and crafts, a movie/lounge area and a maker space. Staff said they promote programs in school lunches and via flyers; they also use social media and weekly email blasts.
Staff outlined a staffing model that includes a teen program coordinator, an outreach leader (a 1,500-hour position), rec leaders and seasonal hires; five regular staff currently cover daily operations. Recreation staff said summer programs require additional, higher-skilled rec leader 2 positions due to off-site trips and transportation responsibilities.
Scholarship and access policies were explained: a school-year membership is $100 per year (or $15 monthly), a $1-per-day option exists, and staff said they will not turn teens away for inability to pay for daily drop-in or Late Night events. For camps and paid trips, the department uses an income-based scholarship process (national standard) that can provide up to $400 per year in assistance.
Council members asked about volunteer and AmeriCorps support, teen employment pathways, marketing to families, and cross-program opportunities with the senior center. Staff said volunteer partnerships exist (service clubs, Muckleshoot Tribe cooperation) and that the city has used AmeriCorps members in the past but is not currently in the program due to funding volatility.
"Our goal is to create a safe and fun environment where every teen feels welcome, respected and supported," Hokett said, and staff asked for continued support for staffing and partner outreach to scale capacity toward a target of roughly 150—180 teens a day if staffing allows.
Ending: Council thanked staff and suggested follow-up on volunteer recruitment strategies, partnership with schools (Peachjar communications) and a special-focus review of park maintenance and restroom capital needs.
