Parks staff reports year‑end 2025 finances: aquatics strong and recreation revenues exceeded targets

Marta, parks staff, presented the year‑end 2025 budget results for Parks, Recreation and Arts.

Key figures she reported: aquatics collected 98% of targeted revenue and expended 92% of its budget; pool rentals were reported at 148% of projections, swim fees and swim lessons at about 102% of projections. Recreation revenues were 116% of target while recreation expenditures were 84% of budget; notable accounts included Dacca concessions at 298% of projection, senior programs at 340% (largely due to successful senior trips) and barn rentals at 148% of projection. Parks division expenditures were 82% of budget for the year.

Marta said pool rental growth reflects renewed community interest (including birthday‑party rentals) and the return of programmatic offerings after COVID. She explained that recreational revenues flow to the city general fund while the Aquatics enterprise operates in Fund 181 and is expected to balance operations with its revenue plus any council‑approved subsidy.

Board members asked for dollar figures to accompany percentages; staff agreed to provide dollar amounts for the top three performers to give additional context. A board member also asked whether excess program revenue is rolled back into future programs; staff said recreation revenue goes to the general fund while aquatics is treated as an enterprise fund and any fund transfers for specific projects require council action.

Next steps: staff will supply selected dollar figures for high‑performing accounts at a future meeting to add context to the percentage figures in the packet.