Danville earmarks parks capital, discusses Elm Springs bike park and sponsorships

City staff presented parks and recreation budget details on April 28, highlighting $2,075,000 in parks capital spending and a new operating department for Pine Knob Trail with $64,000 allocated.

Lee said the parks program includes projects across Millennium Park, the fitness center, Jenny Rogers, community parks and a mountain bike park; shared projects with Boyle County include a $1.4 million contribution largely focused on Elm Springs bike park and other joint capital investments. For Alum Springs (Elm Springs) specifically, staff listed a $75,000 allocation from the city and described the county’s larger near‑term contribution, while urging that access, parking and easements be clarified over the next six to eight months before finalizing detailed line items.

A commissioner asked why sponsorships were budgeted at $42,500, saying that amount seemed low compared with prior year actuals. Lee and staff responded that the city has not aggressively commercialized park sponsorships, that FY25 included multiple one‑time sponsor inflows (for example Jenny Rogers outfitting), and that some sponsorship opportunities (naming rights for scoreboards) could produce one‑time revenue but are not being budgeted as ongoing income.

The presentation included specific park line items: Millennium Park $1,016,683; Fitness Center $466,000; pool $92,000; Jenny Rogers $267,000; and Pine Knob Trail department $64,000 (operating) plus $2,075,000 capital. Staff said some lighting and final scope for pickleball courts and the Elm Springs facility remain subject to grant and access details.