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Council discusses recreation fees, summer-camp enrollment decline and skate purchase
Summary
Council and staff reviewed the proposed 2026 recreation fee schedule, discussed a reported decline in summer-camp enrollment (roughly 20–30 fewer children per week last year), and considered an unexpected offer to buy 200 pairs of ice skates for $5,500 to support Winterfest and future rentals; item was sent to the Recreation Commission for review.
Council reviewed a proposed recreation fee schedule and vendor form; staff said the proposed rates generally mirror current fees and that the recreation program finished the prior year with a modest surplus. Staff noted the Recreation Commission has not yet formally reviewed the schedule because several commission meetings were postponed.
Rob (speaker 7) outlined program performance and financials, saying the prior year ended with roughly a $2,000 surplus and that vendor interest has remained strong. He said, "We have 200 pairs of skates. We're good on that front," reporting a vendor offered skating equipment and shelving for $5,500 and suggesting the city could save on recurring rental costs or generate rental revenue. Council members raised sanitation, staffing and vendor-sponsorship ideas.
The council and staff also discussed a drop in summer-camp enrollment (staff estimated roughly 20–30 fewer children per week last year) and noted expanded free programming offered by the school district as a likely factor. Members emphasized targeted outreach to parks with low attendance (Esperanza Verde, Vets, Shuttleworth, East End) and discussed funding for additional park supervision.
After discussion the council agreed to have the Recreation Commission review the fee schedule and the skate-purchase proposal at its upcoming meeting and return recommendations to council; the recreation resolution was tabled/withdrawn for commission input.
