Advisory board reviews Recreation Master Plan update; staff flag staffing, analytics and outreach needs

Staff provided the advisory board with an update to the city’s Recreation Master Plan, describing it as an addendum that builds on a recent feasibility study. Goals presented included expanding user base and programs, improving marketing and communications, increasing training and staff development, using GIS and people-movement analytics (Placer AI) to measure visitation and target outreach, and reconsidering cost-recovery policies and scholarship programs to improve affordability.

Staff asked the board to consider timing for any future bond or ballot measure to fund a new recreation center; members recommended at least a year of planning and community education before approaching council, noting the political context (property-tax concerns and election cycles) can affect voter support. The plan also emphasizes staff development, with staff noting the high cost of converting part-time hours to full-time equivalents (including an estimated 30% for benefits) and the difficulty of adding positions in the city’s budget process.

Board members recommended more proactive communications, tapping university internship pipelines and AmeriCorps, and targeting underrepresented neighborhoods. Staff said they will submit the plan to council as an information item and use the plan to justify future budget requests and capital conversations. No funding motion or binding decision occurred at the meeting.