Parks director presents surveys showing public support for investing in rec centers; asks to use $300,000 airmark for design

Parks and Recreation Director Sean DePalma presented results from three separate outreach efforts — an in‑house PAR survey, a citywide OnPoint survey and a YMCA/Foursquare feasibility study — that together produced more than 2,000 responses and generally supported investment in existing recreation facilities and expanded programming.

DePalma said the PAR in‑house outreach contacted 939 community members and found roughly 95% support for a new rec center concept among those respondents; the OnPoint citywide survey (709 respondents) found 52% supported a new rec center while 67% opposed a tax increase to fund it. The YMCA/Foursquare feasibility study (about 800 respondents) emphasized programming, partnerships and price sensitivity and suggested the city pursue partnerships rather than a standalone YMCA. DePalma asked the commission to consider using a $300,000 earmark from BCIC to fund initial design/rendering and cost analysis to make the project competitive for grant and philanthropic funding. “All three studies…were tied into key points from the parks, health, and recreation master plan,” DePalma said. Commissioners asked about coordination with the Dean Porter Park conservancy and fundraising options to minimize taxpayer burden; staff said they already collaborate with local groups and view the airmark as a way to create a tangible package to pursue federal funding and public‑private partnerships.