Parks and Recreation committee votes to continue summer program, discusses modest fee to offset costs

The Parker Parks and Recreation Committee voted to continue its summer recreation program and agreed to send the matter to town council for funding consideration.

Committee members described last year’s program as successful and free to participants but noted staffing and budget pressures. A staff member said last year the program paid roughly $20 per hour for instructors who ran four-hour sessions, and that recruiting work-program attendants had been a challenge. Committee members discussed options to reduce cost pressure, including seeking sponsors, recruiting volunteers and charging a modest participation fee. One member suggested a $5 per day option (approximately $20 per week) to offset payroll costs; members stressed any fee should be a fallback if up-front municipal funding is not available.

Members emphasized operational risks: even if participants were expected to pay, staff said the town would still need initial funds to hire instructors and guarantee program delivery. The committee therefore approved moving the program forward as a recommendation to council, with staff directed to prepare budget details and to return with options on fees, sponsorships and volunteer support.

The motion to proceed was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; staff will present funding specifics to council at a later date.