Waynesville rec program reports growth to 35–40 daily participants, flags van safety and asks for capital consideration

Recreation staff told the council the town’s after‑school and summer programs have expanded substantially and that program leaders are asking the town to prioritize van reliability and safety in upcoming budget planning.

Program presenter Cameron Knetzke said weekly participation increased from roughly 15 total participants to 35–40 children each day and that summer programming generated more than $115,000 in earned revenue this year, exceeding a prior $85,000 target. Knetzke said the rec department expanded outreach to seven county schools and hired 16 counselors to support growing enrollment.

Allison Fuller, program specialist, described vehicle safety concerns: "If the seat belts don't work or the emergency exits won't open, then we run a real risk of getting in a predicament where we can't get our kids out safely." Fuller said two vans have persistent mechanical and interior safety issues (broken seat belt, leaking), and staff requested that the capital budget discussion include funding for safer, ADA‑compliant vans or explore partial grant support from foundations such as the Haywood Health Foundation and Kiwanis.

Staff noted a fee schedule adjustment was passed that will make camps more affordable (reducing some nonresident fees and pricing subsequent children at a discounted rate) and that next summer’s program is planned to run eight weeks beginning Monday, June 8. Councilors commended staff for program growth and asked staff to bring a capital request or report back with van replacement options.