Council hears large summer‑camp enrollment and plans modest program shifts; Cambier Park playground procurement moves to RFP stage

Community Services staff presented an overview of summer and holiday programming and proposed modest adjustments for 2026 designed to increase participation and improve service. Aaron Hopkins, deputy director, said the department ran 15 summer camps in 2025 and recorded 2,156 total registrations, with Ocean Kids (605) and River Park Day Camp (496) among the largest draws.

Staff recommended refocusing in‑house programming on ages 5–13, adding an after‑care/extended day option for half‑day specialty camps, continuing the StarAbility partnership for one‑on‑one support, instituting a paid internship program to support staff ratios, and waiting for the parks master plan before larger program expansions. "In total, we had 2,156 kids registered for our summer camps last year," Hopkins said, adding that scholarship options and online registration helped broaden access.

On the Cambier Park playground, staff described demolition, salvaging of commemorative bricks and playground artwork, and three procurement options for replacement. Council favored a procurement path that includes Community Services Advisory Board review of a short list (option 2) and directed staff to proceed with an RFP and to preserve salvaged materials for reuse in the new design.

Council asked specific questions about safety, staff training, budgeting and the demographic mix of participants; staff noted background checks revised with the police department and planned fee‑study follow‑up during budget development. Staff will return with RFP materials and a precise CSAB engagement calendar.