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Disability commission hears Parks & Recreation request for swim program sponsorship; no vote tonight
Summary
Parks & Recreation described a full special-education swim program and a one-day Special Games for more than 500 students, asked the commission to consider a $2,500 sponsorship to close a funding gap; members agreed to discuss formally at a special meeting since votes were barred this evening.
Chair opened the informational meeting by saying the agenda had not been properly posted and "technically we can't make any votes tonight," so the commission would hear presentations and may schedule a follow-up meeting for formal action.
Lisa Nerick, Social Commissioner with DPW Parks and Recreation, described two requests: a 2026 swim program for 30–40 children in special-education programs with six special-education aides and lifeguards on deck, and a larger one-day Special Games event at Manning Field that hosts more than 500 special-education students from area public schools. Nerick said the swim program filled in the first week of registration and is slated to begin April 25 if hiring and funding are in place. She described event features for the Special Games—breakfast, opening ceremony, about 28 activities, pony rides, inflatables, a DJ and medals—and said last year the program cost roughly $15,000–$20,000.
Commissioners asked about the sponsorship gap and possible amounts. One commissioner proposed $2,500 to "close your gap" and Nerick confirmed that "2500 would be great," noting the funds could sponsor pony rides and entertainment and would be acknowledged as support from the Disability Commission. Nerick also noted local partners: private sponsors supplying shirts and medals and the volunteer support of the fire and police departments for food and the torch run.
Because the body could not vote tonight, commissioners asked Nerick to provide electronic copies of the budget and flyer so members can review the materials ahead of a scheduled special meeting. Staff and commissioners agreed to post a special meeting for next week (a Zoom meeting was proposed) with a single agenda item so the commission can vote on funding and allow Parks and Recreation to proceed with hiring.
The commission did not take formal action at the session; members directed staff to distribute materials and place the request on the special-meeting agenda.
