Greenfield recreation department reports rising participation and budget needs

Jesus Perez, Greenfield’s recreation manager, told the council on May 23 that the department has expanded year-round and seasonal offerings — from Junior Giants and flag football to ballet, Folklorico, Zumba and senior fitness — and is preparing to scale several programs through grant support and internal staffing.

Perez said participation has increased across multiple programs (he reported registration highs for Junior Giants and flag football) and that some offerings are grant-funded through programs such as the California State Parks Outdoor Equity Grant. "We have the Avatar Arts programs, bike-riding programs and park cleanup efforts tied to that grant," he said, describing partnerships with the Science Workshop to supply bikes and helmets when needed.

Perez presented a department spending history and a proposed FY23–24 budget that reflects planned staff hires and program expansion. Council members praised the growth, asked about program fees and funding sources, and received an explanation that cannabis tax revenue flows into the general fund and that recreation relies on a mix of sales-tax measures, grants and general-fund allocations.

The council did not take immediate action on recreation budgets at the meeting but was directed to consider items during the upcoming public budget workshop and the June 13 budget presentation.