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Commission hears park staffing funding concerns; 'Friends of the Parks' nonprofit proposed
Summary
Commissioners heard that a grant-funded parks coordinator (Morgan) will leave and that continuing a seasonal coordinator could cost about $30,000; a commissioner proposed forming a Friends of the Parks 501(c)(3) to raise funds and support programming.
A parks commissioner reported a strong year for parks programming — including music in the park, pickleball and day camps — and warned the position funded by a grant (Morgan) ends next month. The commissioner said the grant provided about $100,000 per year and that sustaining a seasonal coordinator for the summer could cost roughly $30,000 if hired for peak months only.
Commissioners discussed funding options including pay-to-play fees, sponsorships and forming a 'Friends of the Parks' 501(c)(3) to enable fundraising that a city committee cannot do. Several commissioners said any paid seasonal position should allow for six months of preparation rather than a last-minute hire and urged planning for pre-season work to ensure program quality.
No formal action or budget appropriation was taken; the discussion was informational and commissioners asked staff to consider funding options and report back during budget planning.
