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Parks director reports surge in memberships, proposes foundation and scholarship review
Summary
Parks Director Deal reported membership jumped to 382 in January 2026 (from 30 in prior historical comparisons), revenues rose to $85,000 for January, and staff plan to reactivate a Parks Foundation to support scholarships; a special committee will review fees and membership software.
Parks Director Deal reported at the Feb. 9 meeting that community center memberships rose sharply this January to 382 — up from 30 in past January comparisons — and that January revenue for the center increased to $85,000 in 2026 from $65,000 in January 2025.
Deal said roughly half of the new memberships are held by seniors and that only four cancellations were recorded after the membership push. The Park Board and Administrative Committee plan to examine fee structures, including whether to offer a standard or maximum family fee, and will form a special committee led by Assistant Parks Director Albertina to review membership software options with demonstrations scheduled. Deal announced reactivation of a Parks Foundation under former Mayor Scott Holmberg to explore scholarship options for members who cannot afford fees.
Deal told the council the Parks and Recreation Department Review and prior staff reports show the department needs to pursue sustainability amid rising labor costs and debt service. The Park Board will meet Feb. 18 to continue these discussions; the front desk renovation project is expected to finish in early April.
