Recreation superintendent cites improved BMCC results, previews new indoor play zone and summer programs

Recreation Superintendent Julie Dorsak told commissioners the BMCC finished 2025 with better-than-expected financial results: the budgeted transfer from the host community fund had been $907,675 but the actual amount needed to cover expenses was $702,459, an improvement of about $205,000. She said the current cost-recovery estimate is around 83 percent and staff plans to move toward an 85—90 percent cost-recovery target in the coming year.

Dorsak previewed facility and program updates: an indoor playground called the "Bridal Side Play Zone" is expected to open in early June with a mural and new marquee; the West Rink is being converted to turf and was scheduled to settle after installation; Kids Rock summer camp registration opened March 9 with about 80 participants signed so far (capacity ~90 per day); community garden registration at Salem Hills Park opens next Monday with 30 spots; and a mosaic-bench project tied to the Unity Trail will produce benches sited at Simley Island and the community center playground.

She also described a software implementation to improve program registration, membership handling and reporting; staff and vendor training are in progress to configure the customer-facing views and reporting outputs. Dorsak noted the department hired one summer intern from 25 applicants and that registration materials (the summer brochure) were being mailed with online registration opening the following day.

Commissioners applauded the operational improvements and the breadth of programs planned for the summer; staff stood for questions and follow-up.