Peekskill plans revamped summer camps, partners with YWCA and private providers

Jonathan Zamora, introduced by the city manager as the presenter for recreation, told the council the city has seen declining day-camp enrollment between 2019 and 2024 and that 2024 program finances left a material gap the city must address. He said staff recorded total staff and bus expenditures of $227,000 against $147,000 in revenue in 2024, leaving about a $79,000 shortfall that the city needs to fill.

To respond, Zamora outlined a retooled 2025 plan relying on outside partners to expand offerings while reducing the city's direct operating burden. "Registrations began in early to mid February each year," he said, noting partners will deliver curriculum and charge families directly while the city will prioritize outreach and translation. He presented partnerships including the YWCA’s proposed no-cost Freedom School (limited to 60 spots), a revitalized Rising Stars youth bureau with new sports programming at no charge through a youth-sports-and-education grant, a full-week teen-travel camp, and a Spark Business Academy entrepreneurship track targeted at older youth.

Council members focused on access and equity: they pressed staff on whether bilingual materials and bilingual instructors would be available and on how the city will ensure local hiring among partner providers. Zamora said materials will be translated into Spanish and that partners have pledged to seek Peekskill hires where feasible. The council asked staff to return with more details on scholarship increases, the grant that covers instructor costs, and outreach plans so families can take advantage of no-cost options.