Commission approves revised recreation fees amid objections from Alameda Aquatic Masters

Alameda — The Alameda Recreation and Park Commission voted 4–1 on Nov. 13 to approve a revised set of recreation and park user fees for 2026, a package staff said is needed to cover rising staffing and operating costs and to phase aquatic rental rates toward the operating assumptions for a new aquatic center planned to open in 2027.

Supporters of the change, including Department Director Justin Long, said the adjustments—generally 3–10% for most categories with larger changes for some field and pool rentals—are part of a three‑year plan to bring rental rates closer to market and to ensure the future aquatic center can operate with sufficient hours and certified staff. "We were given direction by council and this commission itself to try to keep youth and senior costs low," Long told the commission, adding the department compared rates with neighboring cities and is managing an operating plan tied to the new aquatic facility.

The vote came after extended public comment focused on a proposed jump in adult nonprofit pool lane rates. Ann Delp, a longtime member of Alameda Aquatic Masters, said the change would be devastating for the team: "Our rates are going up 46%. ... It will increase our fees $28,000 a year, which will essentially put us out of business if we try to maintain what we're currently doing," Delp said. Several other masters swimmers and parents urged the commission to align pool increases with the 3–10% range used elsewhere in the fee package and to treat youth and adult nonprofit teams at parity.

Commissioners pressed staff on benchmarking, the size of the department's scholarship fund and how the fee changes would interact with a possible parks bond. Justin Long said the department currently has about $20,000 in scholarship funds and that additional scholarship dollars would be used; he also reiterated that the fee increases are intended to support operations rather than capital bond needs. "Almost no swim facility ever recovers its costs," Long said when explaining the need to set sustainable rental targets for the new aquatic center; he said the three‑year phase gives local programs time to adapt.

The motion to adopt the fee schedule passed with Commissioners Alexander, Bernie, Robbins and Chair Raides voting yes; Vice Chair Schwarz voted no. The revised schedule will be forwarded to City Council as part of the department's annual fee update process.

Why it matters: The adopted increases change the cost of using city facilities for organized sports, nonprofit adult teams and event organizers. Staff framed the changes as a way to preserve programming and hours—especially when a new aquatic center opens—while critics warned sudden increases could reduce participation by seniors and long‑running community groups.

Next steps: The commission-approved package moves on to the City Council review process; staff said they will continue outreach with user groups and noted scholarship funds are limited and allocated based on need.