Parks and Recreation highlights growth, seeks community center and preserve funding; council questions O&M shifts

Parks and Recreation Director Roz Epting told the council the department's programs and facilities are growing: she cited 77 trees planted so far this year, a $1 million grant for the Naranja Park project, and a planned Naranja Park ribbon-cutting May 18. Epting said the department requested roughly $4.7 million from the general fund and $7.4 million for the community center fund for FY24-25, noting significant program growth and new offerings.

Deputy Director Matt Jankowski said the community center experienced a membership jump to about 3,904 members in April (roughly 447 daily visits), and described new classes and senior-program participation. Daryl Janice, general manager of El Conquistador Golf, reported membership growth at the municipal golf operation and outlined irrigation, tees and bridge projects in the golf CIP.

Council members pressed staff about an apparent $830,000 increase in community center O&M, and staff explained much of that increase reflects reallocation of facility maintenance dollars that previously appeared in public works line items into the community center fund for clarity (finance staff and the town manager's office confirmed the reallocation). Finance staff also confirmed the community center fund includes a $500,000 contingency.

Council asked how much of community center membership is resident-based; staff estimated 85'90% are Oro Valley residents. Members also asked whether fees, premium memberships and grant strategies could help cover rising O&M and water costs; staff said fee and program changes are part of the department's ongoing strategic planning and would be brought back for council consideration.

Next steps: Parks and Recreation will supply further detail on community center O&M allocations, provide updated forecasts that reflect recent spending patterns, and continue grant-seeking for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and other projects.