Kylie, a Parks & Recreation staff member, presented the city’s 2026 Parks & Recreation budget adopted by the common council on Nov. 18 and outlined both operational and capital decisions the commission should expect to revisit in 2026.

She said two full‑time positions were approved: a department‑wide marketing and outreach specialist and a Conservancy Lands technician to support forestry services. “These are full time staff positions that are approved for the city,” Kylie said, explaining the hires are intended to give “more boots on the ground” for forestry and department operations.

Staff described operational increases tied to aquatics and recreation program growth and rising maintenance costs, while seasonal staffing received partial funding increases to raise starting wages. Kylie also said an urban forestry technician position and broader forestry operations funding were not approved; she instructed the commission that staff will watch for surplus funds in December and January that could be added via a budget resolution.

On capital projects, the commission was told the ADA audit and transition plan was approved and will guide project prioritization and future RFPs. Kylie said rollover funds and current allocations will fund replacement of three playgrounds and that a compact articulated loader was approved to support snow removal, forestry services and trail work.

Several previously requested projects did not receive funding. Kylie said the Lakeview Park entrance and a fencing and path project for the Penny Klein soccer fields were not approved. She described the Penny Klein project as a long‑standing priority that she will continue to push for in 2027, and encouraged design review to find cost reductions.

Kylie flagged Lakeview pond treatment as “highly needed” but cautioned that DNR permitting could present challenges and that community input will be needed. She also said ADA picnic tables, grills and some accessibility items were not funded and that staff will continue to request those improvements.

The commission discussed the cuts to ADA projects; one member cited a roughly $220,000 estimated cost for the Pennock Line soccer‑fields work as a reason those items were dropped from the final budget.

The commission did not take a formal vote on any budget reallocation at the meeting. Staff asked commissioners to be prepared for project‑level approvals in 2026 once designs, audits and potential surplus funds are clearer.