Recreation staff outlines events calendar; pool reopens and local donation supports youth scholarships

Recreation Services Director Natasha BL reviewed upcoming community programs and facility updates, urging commissioners to volunteer for events and noting deadlines for the summer activity guide.

Natasha said the Valentine fun run had reached a cap of about 850 registered runners with a kids dash of roughly 60–65, and listed several Heritage Theater performances and community celebrations in February. She reminded commissioners that information for June–August programming must be submitted by March to make the summer guide and said fall submissions should be in by the end of June.

On facilities, Natasha announced the municipal pool reopened after a 65‑day closure and is "balanced and ready to go." She also confirmed Anen House was tented for fumigation and that attic reinforcement work is planned, with a possible reopening in early March if repairs finish on schedule. Natasha said the recreation division will plan a grand‑opening event for the skate park when new equipment arrives and will coordinate commissioner participation.

She also reported a $4,000 donation from Water Tower Kitchen to the city’s youth scholarship fund and pointed commissioners to an upcoming city study session on capital funding strategies, noting the pool is a long‑term capital need with an estimated $12 million price tag. Staff will notify commissioners about the study session and provide opportunities to observe or comment.

Natasha encouraged commissioners to volunteer for events and said staff will follow up with those who signed up for ad hoc committee roles.