Parks & Recreation annual report: staffing restored, program participation and donations climb

The Parks, Recreation & Community Education department presented its 2025 annual report to the Hutchinson City Council on April 14, noting staffing stabilization, program growth, and several completed capital and program projects.

Lynn, the department presenter, said PRCE ended 2025 fully staffed after a series of retirements and internal promotions and that the department distributes about 8,632 brochures per program cycle. Lynn reported $72,409 in donations and sponsorships to the department’s general fund during 2025, separate from capital and community improvement fund contributions.

Major projects highlighted included Veterans Memorial Field improvements (a total donation of $134,882 from the Hutchinson Huskies with a final $50,000 donation expected in 2026), DNR prairie maintenance work completed in Roberts Park, Miller Woods, Riverside and East River Park, new trail and playground installations, and upgrades to arena refrigeration monitoring systems. The department cited program metrics such as 14,235 standard aquatic admissions, 581 swim lesson participants at Carlson Pool, 278 family‑of‑3 memberships sold, and 2,113 total attendance at six free family swim nights sponsored by Hutchinson Health and Common Cup.

Lynn emphasized community‑focused services at the senior center, noting the staff role in daily connection and support for older residents. The department also detailed community education offerings (237 activities with 5,798 participants) and plans for 2026 including trail updates, solar projects at PRC locations, and completion of the Library Square fountain.

Council members asked about bike‑safety education and the department noted plans for National Bike Month proclamations and related outreach in May.