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Juanita Pohl Center reports surging participation and expanding meal program
Summary
City staff and the Juanita Pohl Center advisory committee told the council that program participation rose 27% to 16,525 in 2025; the center reported growth in meal-service delivery after the city took over operations July 1, 2025 and plans ADA restroom upgrades funded by a CDBG grant.
Recreation manager Julie Ludeman and Juanita Pohl Center staff presented the centers 2025 annual report on Feb. 9. They told the council the center recorded 16,525 program participants in 2025, a 27 percent increase over 2024, and provided a progress update on the meal program after the city took over operations on July 1, 2025.
Ludeman said meal counts were 360 from January through June 2025 (the portion before city management) and 1,800 between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, which averages about 72 meals per week in the second half of the year. Staff reported ~58 percent cost recovery for the meal program through donations, sponsorships and revenue, and noted sponsors and volunteers as key supports.
The advisory committee chair, Susan Nowak, described the center as a community "jewel" and emphasized social connection and a broad schedule of classes and activities. Ludeman described capital improvements planned under a 2025 CDBG grant, including restroom upgrades to ADA standards and replacement of exterior doors.
What happens next: Staff will continue expanding programs, pursue funding for meal-program sustainability and return to council with quarterly updates as actions are implemented.
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