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Commission approves new 2026 Parks & Recreation sponsorship program, subject to city attorney review
Summary
The commission approved a new sponsorship program to diversify Parks & Recreation funding and keep programs affordable; staff forecast roughly $6,000 in year‑one revenue and emphasized sponsorship tiers and in‑kind options. Approval was conditional on city attorney review of policy and contract language.
The Middleton Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission voted to approve a new 2026 sponsorship program designed to formalize partnerships, diversify revenue beyond program fees, and keep programming affordable, with the approval made conditional on city attorney review of the policy and waiver.
Kylie, who introduced the program, told commissioners a printed sponsorship guide outlines tiers, benefits, and a phased rollout: "We're specifically focusing on recreational programming and special events and the youth center in the upcoming years," she said. The guide includes outreach steps and examples of sponsor benefits for year one.
Recreation assistant Gavin Adler outlined the outreach strategy and projected modest early revenue. "Our year‑one revenue forecast is right around and a little over $6,000," he told the commission, adding that the program also includes in‑kind sponsorships to accommodate smaller local businesses.
Commissioners sought safeguards to prevent sponsors from influencing programs. Susan said she supported the concept but warned: "I don't want to see businesses making these donations and having little things that have to go with it. What they want the city to do." Members asked for clear, non‑negotiable language and said the city attorney should review contract terms and waiver language before implementation.
A motion to approve the sponsorship program with conditional city attorney review and approval passed by voice vote. Staff said the program will initially focus on events and recreation, with the potential to expand to parks, trails and facilities in later years if successful.
Next steps include city attorney review and finalization of contracts and policy language before broader implementation and outreach to potential sponsors.
