Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks and Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Parks and Community Services Department Updates
REPORT IN BRIEF
Director will provide Parks and Community Services updates from the previous month.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only-no action required
Body
DISCUSSION
Budget Update
The 2025/2026 City Budget was adopted by City Council on 6.16.25. The Parks & Community Services Department budget included the following major modifications:
* Reductions
o Programs- summer camp, stick to fitness sports clinics, Community reservations of the Block Party Trailer
o Staffing- 1 FTE Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, 15% of PTE
o Contracts- 100% of McCombs Youth Center Lease Agreement reimbursement, 33% of all Service Agreement reimbursements
* Additions
o Move P&CS office to Merced Senior Community Center using 24/25 savings & PFFP funds- $117,000
o MCSD contract for Junior Giants, NFL Flag Football, & NBA Basketball programs for City K-6 students- approximately- $180,000
o 3rd Zookeeper for Merced Applegate Zoo- $86,000
o Turf Tank lease agreement- automated painting of all fields (Nannini, Joe Herb, Regional Sports Complex)- $14,000
o Part time Recreation Field & Facility Worker to care for Regional Sports Complex- $24,000
o Housing and Urban Development- Community Development Block Grant funding towards renovations at Joe Herb Sports- ADA, Safety & Security focused scope- $750,000 +
Program Update
Aquatics- Over 300 families have signed up for Swim lessons this summer. The programs annual expense is upwards of $65.00 per person but thanks to a generous donation from Central Valley Opportunity Fund we were able scholarship all families to reduce the cost to $25.00 per person. This type of community investment ensures that lessons are provided by qualified, certificated staff in pools that are up to date and meet todays standards. We have two sessions of swim lessons and still have room in our second sessions if anyone ...
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