Boise Parks and Recreation touts youth roadmap progress, expands camps and services

Roseanne Brown, recreation superintendent for Boise Parks and Recreation, told the commission on Feb. 19 that the department has expanded operations to 43 full‑time staff and roughly 1,200 classes while hiring about 600 seasonal team members each year to run summer camps, lifeguard shifts and other peak programming.

The update centered on the department’s role in advancing the Boise Youth Road Map, a survey‑based framework led by council member Hallie Burton that identified youth well‑being, activities and infrastructure as top priorities. Brown said the roadmap confirms existing strengths and identifies barriers—especially transportation and mental‑health needs—that the department is addressing through partnerships and staff training.

Brown said the department’s programs serve children and teens across a range of settings, from school‑based community centers to Fort Boise Community Center and pool facilities. "We have grown. We're up to 43 full time members," Brown said, and later added the department hires "about 600 seasonal team members"…