Hot Springs recreation director reports expanded programs and strong participation

Gabby Martin, Recreation Director for the City of Hot Springs, presented the department’s annual report and outlined programming growth and participation trends.

Martin said the department added girls softball and several new classes (clay and watercolor) and that many programs reached or nearly reached capacity last summer. Winter offerings expanded to include adult volleyball and pickleball; adult volleyball currently has eight participants and staff are exploring costs and logistics to support a league format if demand increases.

Martin told council that online registration has streamlined paperwork and that staff budgeted for a higher online‑registration fee impact but ultimately proposed a 35¢ COLA elsewhere; she said only a handful of registration complaints have arisen and offered to help residents who need in‑person registration assistance.

Council members praised the growth and encouraged continued outreach. Martin said she will contact instructors in February to plan the coming season and evaluate whether to continue or expand successful offerings.

The council thanked Martin for the work and noted the department will continue to monitor instructor capacity and program demand.