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Parks & Recreation staff describe lifeguard recruitment, youth programs and sponsorships
Summary
Deputy Director Tim Pagano outlined plans for lifeguard recruitment, an emerging lifeguard leader program, participation figures for youth sports, field-permit volume and new sponsorships (VinFast $10,000; Tuscany Espresso $48,000 in-kind). Pagano said Memorial Park Aquatic Center is expected to open in September 2026.
Deputy Director Tim Pagano gave an oral Parks & Recreation report to the Youth Commission on Nov. 17 that covered recruitment, programming metrics, sponsorships and upcoming facilities.
Pagano said recruitment for new lifeguards begins in December and the department will resume the free "emerging lifeguard leader" program in February to train residents who may not have prior competitive swim experience. "The emerging lifeguard leader program is... an opportunity for those people that are interested in potentially being lifeguards," Pagano said, describing how the program helps candidates reach American Red Cross certification.
Pagano reported current program figures: 277 participants in the recent youth flag-football season and 460 registered in the youth boys basketball program. The reservations office issued more than 1,790 field permits during September and October, Pagano said. He also gave digital engagement metrics for community outreach posts, ranging from about 24,000 to over 41,000 views on specific promotions.
On partnerships and sponsorships, Pagano said staff secured a $10,000 title-level sponsorship from VinFast Auto for the tenth Lunar New Year Festival and an annual in-kind title-level partnership from Tuscany Espresso and Coffee valued at $48,000 to support Plaza Navidena and other events. He added the department expects to receive 25 U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets through an aquatics grant to be featured at pool rec swims.
Pagano also previewed the Memorial Park Aquatic Center: he said the 25-meter competitive pool is expected to open in September 2026, and city staffing and programming plans include expanded year-round operations.
The commission discussed ways to increase teen participation and Pagano suggested experiential programming (camping trips, intercity partnerships) and directed commissioners to research similar programs to bring proposals back for future meetings.
