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Budget committee advances most Rec & Park fee changes but tables arboretum nonresident fee after public outcry
Summary
The committee voted to forward a package of Recreation & Park fee increases (latchkey, day camps, aquatics, field rental categories and parking) while tabling the proposed nonresident fee for the Arboretum after extensive public testimony opposing gates and fees; committee directed some items to board with recommendation and placed one item on reserve.
The Budget and Finance Committee on June 24 approved forwarding several Recreation & Park fee changes to the full board but tabled a proposed nonresident entrance fee for the San Francisco Arboretum after prolonged public comment and a contentious roll-call vote.
Katie Petrucciani, director of administration and finance for Recreation & Park, presented eight fee changes that collectively aim to narrow budget gaps by raising user fees in specific categories. The package included higher latchkey/after-school fees (from $8.50 to $18.50 per week, projected $50,000 in revenue), standardized day-camp fees (standard camps from $96 to $115; specialty from $192 to $230; projected $80,000), adult aquatics entry increases (recreational adult swim from $4 to $5 and adjusted pass pricing), new nonresident rental fees for pools ($400 resident/$550 nonresident), and a new nonresident entrance fee for the Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers (projected $100,000 and $50,000 respectively).
Petrucciani emphasized a scholarship program ensuring residents below an income threshold can receive discounts and described outreach steps to expand awareness: more than 400 families have received scholarships and the department offers up to 50% discounts tied to the Working Families Tax Credit.
The hearing turned into an extensive public-comment session when, after staff presentation, dozens of Arboretum users and volunteers testified against a nonresident fee and physical gates or kiosks. Speakers argued the Arboretum is a public commons and charging nonresidents would be discriminatory, difficult to administer and counter to the gift intent that created the garden. Several speakers and organized groups urged the committee to reject the arboretum fee.
On a roll-call motion, the committee tabled item 9 (the Arboretum nonresident fee). The committee then voted to forward other Rec & Park items to the full board with recommendations; item 10 (athletic field fee changes related to for-profit youth activities) passed on a 4-1 vote. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to protect access for low-income residents, preserve scholarship outreach and monitor the impact of fee increases on community access.
Next steps: The Arboretum fee (item 9) is tabled and will return for further consideration; other fee items from the package will be considered by the full board. Rec & Park and the Budget Analyst were asked to provide further analyses on outreach and scholarship implementation.
