Farmers Branch parks and recreation reports year of strong cost recovery, expanded programs

Recreation staff told the Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Board they reached a 90.11% cost‑recovery rate for fiscal 2022–23 and outlined program changes aimed at improving revenue and service delivery.

"We achieved that 90.11%," Jessica Harada, the department’s recreation manager, said as she reviewed the year‑end report, describing steps such as bringing Kids' Night Out in‑house and expanding facility rentals to retain more revenue. Harada said athletics revenue reached about $448,000 and that new youth programming and a planned full launch of a youth‑program app this summer are expected to broaden offerings and concessions year‑round.

The aquatics team reported record participation and program wins. Paul, from aquatics staff, said the department taught "now over 900 individuals how to swim" during the year and recorded 4,909 fitness‑class participants. Aquatics also won recognition from the North Texas Recreation and Parks Society for its swim‑lesson program and noted strong seasonal staffing levels (about 96% of target) despite continuing hiring churn.

Board members questioned staffing and operational impacts. Members asked whether the department could reach 100% seasonal staffing; aquatics staff said they expected to achieve around 95–96% again, citing graduations and internships that regularly affect the pool of seasonal employees. Members also discussed parking and program shifts after the Branch Connection closure and noted that overflow agreements with nearby school lots and other partners help mitigate summer parking pressure.

Harada and staff described cost‑management practices used during the year, including monthly reviews of program revenues and expenses and cross‑division collaboration to smooth fluctuations. The department highlighted several new or revised offerings — internally produced kids’ nights, revived art classes, sensory‑friendly events and expanded concessions — that contributed to improved per‑square‑foot income.

The board did not take formal action on the report; staff said they would return with quarterly updates and more detail on the app rollout and recruitment plans for seasonal hires.