Community & Rec director highlights participation shifts, staffing limits and new programs

Bill Graymont, coordinator for the Fond du Lac Community & Rec department, presented the semiannual report to the school board on Nov. 24, detailing program participation, staffing challenges and operational upgrades.

Graymont said staffing limits were the largest constraint on service offerings: winter staff numbers range from about 15 to 75 depending on programming, and summer staffing can reach 175–200. He said that changes to craft classes and instructor availability largely explained a drop in adult-enrichment classes (from 766 to 404 classes offered in the rec-desk system), while playground participation and some youth sports and camps saw gains.

Pool and aquatics updates: Graymont said Fairgrounds pool visits rose by about 2,400 this year, while the Taylor pool declined due to a heater issue. He described expansion of swimming lessons and partnerships with organizations that provide discounted access for seniors (Optum and previously SilverSneakers); Optum reimburses the district for a portion of participant fees.

Operations and facilities: Graymont described onboarding and standardization work with HR, new vector training for staff, and a recent upgrade to automated pool chemical controls (a Bexis system) so operators receive remote alerts and can respond promptly.

Graymont also noted staff transitions: John Lloyd will retire after 25 years and a transition to Thomas is planned Dec. 10, with a farewell planned Dec. 19. The board thanked Graymont for program creativity and asked staff to explore participant surveys to inform program adjustments.