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Recreation and Parks seeks $79.26 million operating budget for 2026; council questions aquatics cuts and warming‑center planning
Summary
Brad Barrett, fiscal manager for Columbus Recreation and Parks, presented a proposed 2026 operating budget of $79,257,388 with staff and part‑time reductions; councilmembers pressed the department on an 8% aquatics reduction, utility cost drivers and whether rec centers will be used as overnight warming centers.
Brad Barrett, fiscal manager for Columbus Recreation and Parks, presented the department's proposed 2026 operating budget to the Neighborhoods, Recreation and Parks Committee and said the total is $79,257,388 — roughly 5% lower than 2025. Barrett said the reduction was achieved through a 6% reduction in staff, a 5% cut to materials and supplies and a 1% reduction in services, and noted a $1.9 million reduction in part‑time staffing.
Barrett outlined program reach and costs: the department provided more than 109,000 hours of programming in 2025, operated 67 summer camps serving nearly 22,000 registrants, and reported about 100,000 outdoor pool visits. He also highlighted capital…
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