Board approves Blue Valley Recreation Commission budget; BVRC plans one-time reserve draw for COP payments and playground

The Blue Valley Board of Education on July 21 approved the Blue Valley Recreation Commission’s (BVRC) 2025–26 budget following a presentation by BVRC Executive Director Shane DeWald and district finance staff.

DeWald described membership and participation growth and outlined capital projects funded through a certificate of participation (COP) program, including construction of four new fields near the sports complex and a planned activity-center renovation in the fall. He said the BVRC currently sees roughly 1,600 visits per day and "around right around 10,000 members" districtwide.

BVRC finance staff explained the commission’s two primary funds (a benefits fund subsidized by tax revenue and a general fund financed by program and membership fees) and said the total mill levy is projected at 2.8 for the coming year, slightly lower than the prior year. They said the commission will use reserves and realignment of payment timing to manage increased COP payments, estimating a one-time reserve draw in the range of $2 million to $3 million, and discussed potential fundraising for an inclusive playground.

Staff also noted the commission is statutorily required to have the board approve the BVRC budget; the district designated the Johnson County Post as the official newspaper for required notices. Following the presentation and questions from board members, the board approved the BVRC budget unanimously.

What to watch: BVRC’s schedule of COP payments, fundraising progress for the inclusive playground and how the intentional realignment of payment timing affects cash balances into the next fiscal year.