Staff reports: summer registration open, "Kraken Academy" swim option and May 21 ribbon cutting announced

Recreation staff reported multiple operational updates to the Parks and Recreation group.

Registration for summer programs opened April 24; staff said popular offerings such as gymnastics, swim lessons and a zookeeper-for-a-day program often fill quickly and additional spots were added for T‑ball. Staff introduced a new swim program called "Kraken Academy," described as training young swimmers in more efficient strokes, and said it was filling rapidly.

Staff provided personnel numbers for the aquatic center: 40 returning staff and 34 new hires, with orientation underway. They announced a soft opening June 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. and a full opening for the season on June 5. Staff also said splash pad openings depend on holiday weather and that building maintenance (chillers, filters) and field preparations continue following spring storms.

Operational outreach included volunteer assistance (regular volunteers from McCain’s and Pack 118) and the community tree sale, in which staff reported selling 113 trees and that five were purchased to donate back to the city for planting in public locations; staff said 37 trees arrived for the nursery and several oaks have already been planted. Staff invited members to a ribbon cutting for a new playground and river hydro exhibit at the zoo on May 21 at 11:30 a.m.

Staff closed the report by noting recent repairs at the skate park and that the Raptors were among the first teams to use newly installed lights, with staff assisting to resolve an initial lighting activation issue.