Memorandum
City
of
Parks
& Recreation Department
|
TO: |
David Corliss, City Manager |
|
FROM: |
Ernie Shaw, Interim Director, Parks and Recreation |
|
Date: |
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 |
|
RE: |
Parks and Recreation Recommendations From Public Forum for 2010 |
The following are recommendations for 2010 to be undertaken by the
Parks and Recreation Department, which were developed after reviewing the
results of the public survey obtained from a public forum and an online posting
in April. Survey results showed strong support for the department from over
1,100 survey respondents with a strong majority feeling the services were
essential to the community, especially youth programming. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has reviewed and
support the recommendations below.
Aquatics Division
While the results of the survey show support for a small
increase in fees at the aquatic facilities, we currently wish fees to remain at
current levels. Staff is currently review hourly counts to determine what
impact reducing hours may have on facilities.
We recommend instituting fees at the South Park Wading
Pool. Charge would be $1 per child, per visit. The public survey supported this
effort. Revenue generated would help
defray the cost of running the facility. Staff is currently developing
logistics for fee collection, etc. to implement for 2010.
Recreation
Facilities
Because of the current age of equipment and heightened
expectations patrons would have if they were charged, we do not feel a daily
fee rate or the development of a pass card to use weight and cardiovascular
equipment would assist us in long-term revenues. However, we are in the process of placing
donation boxes at each facility to take in-kind donations from facility users
to assist in defraying the cost of operation.
Prairie Park
Nature Center
As the public survey indicated, there was a high level of
support to begin charging admission to Prairie Park Nature Center. We will
institute fees: $1 for adults; $.50
children ages 5 to 12; 4 & under free with paying adult; $40 annual Family
passes. Estimated fee collection yearly
would be approximately $10,000. Staff is
currently developing the logistics to collect fees beginning in 2010.
Lawrence City
Band
The survey show great support for the long-running Lawrence
City Band. Staff is currently assisting the band in the development of
sponsorship plan to underwrite its summer performances.
Sponsorships
The public survey indicated community members didn’t have a
problem with advertising located at Parks and Recreation facilities and
parks. Staff is currently developing
policy on signage. Initial thoughts are for signage to be made available at
city recreational facilities and recreational venues only and not in parks and
open spaces. We currently use sponsorships in a number of programs and
activities in the support of the department. Annually, we receive between
$30,000-$70,000 in gifts in-kind money donations and services from individuals
and businesses. The current goal for 2010 will be to increase the amount
generated through sponsorships by $10,000 through signage and underwriting of
programs/activities.
Other Programming
All Parks and Recreation programs and activities are
reviewed yearly. After evaluation, programs and fees are modified if necessary
to make programs more efficient and effective.
As stated earlier, the public strongly supports the efforts
of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Staff values its relationship with the public and appreciates the
community’s support in its efforts to further enhance the quality of life
within the community.
If you have questions, please let us know.