Ripon parks director highlights steady growth, inclusive playground and community partnerships

Ashton presented Ripon’s Parks & Recreation annual report, telling the council that “2025 was a year of steady growth for our Parks and Recreation Department” and highlighting infrastructure and inclusion efforts.

The report said the department completed a quad project to improve field conditions, installed site furnishings at Horner Park, began the Selfridge Park project and opened the city’s first inclusive playground. Ashton said the department recorded a roughly 11% rise in program participation and completed sponsorships and collaborations that helped run signature events.

Christine, the senior activities director, told the council that senior programming expanded sharply: activity offerings rose about 18% and participant check‑ins at the Senior Activity Center totaled in the 13,000 range, with nearly 900 seniors using programs. “We increased…we had an additional 330 people added to coming into our programs,” Christine said.

The presentation reviewed budgetary changes: park donations rose about 5% while park expenditures fell nearly 11% after an expensive 2024 wood‑chip safety investment. Ashton said some revenue shifts were driven by donated instructor time and external sponsorships, which reduced program revenue while increasing donations.

Looking ahead, department priorities for 2026 include program development for underserved age groups (notably teens), attention to small deferred‑maintenance items across parks and stronger marketing and partnerships to grow participation.

The council thanked Parks & Recreation staff for the report; there was no formal council action recorded on the report itself. The department said it will continue to compile metrics and partner with the Ripon Area School District on park signage and program delivery.