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Recreation staff preview expanded hours, new programs and budget pressures; Play Inc. pledges support
Summary
Recreation staff described expanded programming, a new rec guide, swim-lesson changes, Bark Park opening and youth-center growth while the business manager flagged staffing vacancies and tight budgets; nonprofit Play Inc. says it has funds to support special projects.
At the Santa Maria Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, recreation staff outlined program expansions ahead of summer while the department's business manager described budget shortfalls and unfilled positions that are suppressing expenditures.
Recreation Manager Rudy Gutierrez said the department switched swim lessons in April from a two-week model to a five-day, 40-minute-a-day format to increase capacity; the first registration day generated roughly $8,000, and a recent rec swim drew 285 participants. Rudy also previewed a spring/summer recreation guide (English and Spanish), summer concerts at Pioneer Park, and the Bark Park grand opening slated for April 18.
Janette Blanco, interim recreation supervisor for youth services, reported that youth and teen programs served more than 500 participants since last July with a 17% increase in daily attendance and more than 700 active memberships. Blanco described program offerings (afterschool programs, seasonal camps, workforce-readiness and job market pipeline activities) and said the department is addressing a consistent challenge of relatively low daily female participation by piloting girl-only programming and a "girl think tank" to design targeted offerings.
Business manager Neville Mita said the department is at roughly 50% of expected expenditures with 75% of the fiscal year completed because many part-time and full-time positions remain vacant; unspent salary and operating funds will remain in the general fund and may be redistributed by finance. Staff warned that planned budget reductions ($2.1 million next year as previously discussed) will require leaning more heavily on community partners for programming support.
Play Inc. president Mr. Pada told commissioners Play Inc. closed the prior calendar year with roughly $398,000 in revenue and about $119,000 in operating funds available; he encouraged staff to submit project requests that the nonprofit could consider funding or supporting through sponsorships, grants or volunteer coordination.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about financial assistance for swim lessons; staff said a simple, in-person application (rec grants administered through Play Inc.) is available and that documentation requirements are minimal. Commissioners and staff also discussed facility openings (the Japanese Community Center) and construction progress at the sports complex.
The presentation closed with several community announcements and the commission adjourned.
