Rec & Park Advisory Board
Originally Published: June 11, 2024
March, April, June Meeting Updates
Over the past few months, the Recreation & Parks Advisory Board has addressed key topics such as turf fields, the budget, childcare, and the department’s strategic plan in their meeting agendas.
The primary focus was on the Ad-Hoc Committee's report regarding the need for turf fields at Baggett and Dorsey parks. Board member Jeff Kennedy highlighted the negative impacts of weather cancellations and inadequate maintenance on natural grass fields for youth baseball/softball leagues. According to Kennedy, the baseball community feels "left behind" as other sports like soccer, football, tennis, pickleball, and skateboarding have benefitted from investments in turf fields, additional courts, and park renovations. Pros of turf fields include increased play, reduced maintenance, and revenue generation. Installation costs were estimated between $4-5M. There was some disagreement about considering revenue generation as part of the decision. Board member Donald DeGraves argued that potential revenue should not be the primary driver since turf fields would address field availability issues for baseball leagues.
After DeGraves presented an AI analysis of data from RJ Bean, President of the St. Mary’s Little League, several board members questioned if the Ad-Hoc Committee might have been biased by Bean’s “lobbying.” The discussion was deferred to the April meeting for further research. In April, board member John Lydon reported his discussions with representatives from Wicomico and Howard Counties, who stated that their turf fields were built mainly as revenue generators for hosting tournaments, not for local league use. No turf fields in Maryland have been constructed for local league use according to Lydon. The Advisory Board ultimately voted to send a memo to the County Commissioners expressing the baseball leagues' strong desire to convert existing natural grass fields to turf. Board member David McDonough requested an August agenda item to examine field bookings versus actual use to determine if usage could be maximized.
Results from a recent survey to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT), shared during the April meeting, will inform the department’s strategic plan. A total of 1,037 responses were logged, a 27% increase from the 2020 survey. Strengths included playgrounds, historic preservation, and open space, while weaknesses highlighted a lack of indoor activity space, picnic areas, walking trails, and communication. These weaknesses translated into opportunities to increase indoor space and park amenities. Threats to the department included funding availability and budget constraints. All feedback was incorporated into four pillars of the strategic plan: customer service, fiscal stewardship, organizational innovation, and human capital/sustainability. Success will be measured by assigning a "matrix of responsibilities and key performance indicators" and assessed throughout the year according to staff. The plan will be presented to the County Commissioners for approval on June 25th.
At the June meeting, an overview of the Enterprise Fund was presented. Enterprise Fund programs operate like a business, generating revenue from user fees to cover program costs. Of the five programs reviewed, only two operated with a net gain in FY23. Park support, Gymnastics, and the Great Mills Pool all operated at losses. Gymnastics programs lost $63K in FY23 due to expenses outpacing income. This trend is expected to reverse as costs related to the previously leased location and increased enrollment, made possible by the purchase and conversion of the Willows Rec Center, balance the fund.
Director Art Shepherd reported that the Park Support fund operated at a nearly $120K deficit due to increased use of fields, especially turf fields, requiring more staff and a minimum wage increase. Shepherd noted that the County Commissioners recently kept user rates at $9.50, suggesting this trend will continue. The Great Mills Pool Enterprise Fund had the highest deficit at just over $243K. Shepherd attributed this to increased costs for chemicals, maintenance, and utilities. To reduce costs, the department limited pool hours and has been searching for a swimming instructor to help generate revenue from lessons. Board Chair Veronica Johnson inquired about potential pool closure, but Shepherd assured that the County Commissioners recognize the community need and continue to keep it open. Eventually, the YMCA will take over the pool, which should help reduce the department’s budget.
Finally, enrollment in before and aftercare programs revealed potential closures due to low participation. The Hollywood Rec Center is at risk of not opening for childcare during the 2024-2025 school year with only three current enrollments. The Teen After School program, operating from Hollywood Rec Center and serving Esperanza, Leonardtown, and Spring Ridge Middle Schools, is also at risk. Department staff noted the teen program hasn’t operated since 2020. Up to 15 more seats are possible for before and aftercare at Duke Elementary and Chesapeake Public Charter Schools if the department can hire additional staff.
