Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Services

Budget Summary of Changes

The Parks, Open Space, and Cultural Services (Parks) budget reflects ongoing efforts to move out of the COVID-19 pandemic and offer more services, options for reservations and special event bookings, and fully re-open the aquatic facility to seven days a week. Parks is able to offer more classes, programs, and reservable areas and has been awarded multiple grants over the past year to help accomplish goals and objectives for 2023-24. Completion of the Live Oak Library Annex adjacent to the Simpkins Family Swim Center and Live Oak Community Center will offer additional opportunity to serve the community.

The Parks budget and operational objectives represent a continued commitment to continuous improvement, equity, and expanding parks and recreational activities available to the community. Objectives include increasing parks and recreation activities among disadvantaged communities, restoring services, developing new recreational facilities, and improving operations.

The Parks budget includes scheduled and negotiated salary and benefit increases and utilizes new funding to make strategic staffing investments. The budget recommends adding 3.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions funded by grant and contract for services opportunities, which will improve the department's ability to carry out its duties effectively. The budget recommends adding 2.0 FTE Park Maintenance I positions to support Harvey West Pool operations through a contract with the City of Santa Cruz and implement and complete climate resilient policies and projects. Additionally, 1.0 FTE limited term Recreation Coordinator is recommended to work on a grant-funded project with County Park Friends to increase equity in recreation in areas that have historically underserved.

Supplemental Budget Summary of Changes

Minor offsetting changes to increase Parks Administration costs by $107,810 by reducing by $103,302 Maintenance and Facilities costs and recognize $4,508 in rent and concession revenue. Corrects funded positions to fund in the Swim Center 1.0 FTE Asst Dept Analyst by unfunding in Maintenance and Facilities a vacant 1.0 FTE Park Maintenance Worker III.

Open the Services Overview or Operational Plan Objectives below for more details.