Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Request for Approval of Fee Rate Increase for the Expansion of the 2025 PSL Summer Camp Program Offered Through the Parks & Recreation Department.
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Submitted By: Tim Roth, Deputy Director-Recreation, Parks & Recreation Department
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): Based on prior City Council feedback and comments at strategic planning, the City, through the Parks & Recreation Department will be expanding its 2025 PSL Summer Camp program to address high demand and provide greater opportunities for children aged 6-12. To offset the operational costs, the department recommends increasing the weekly camp rates from $95 to $115.
Presentation Information: A brief PowerPoint presentation (est. 10 mins.) will be given by Kelly Boatwright, Assistant Director of the Parks & Recreation Department.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the proposed weekly fee rate increase for participants of the 2025 PSL Summer Camp program.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve a weekly fee rate increase for participants of the 2025 PSL Summer Camp program.
2. Move that the Council not approve the proposed weekly fee rate increase for participants of the 2025 PSL Summer Camp program and provide feedback.
Background: In recent years, PSL Summer Camp registration has sold out within the first hour of opening to the public, resulting in numerous complaints from families unable to register their children. Parks & Recreation currently offers 2 camp sites - the MidFlorida Events Center (“MFEC”) and Minsky Gym. MFEC has a capacity of 235 campers for the Teen, Tot, and Youth programs. Minsky Gym’s camp program has a capacity of 65 campers for one youth camp. The total capacity for PSL Summer Camp program is currently 300 participants.
Issues/Analysis: With no additional room for growth within existing Parks & Recreation facilities, the department sought alternative locations to provide expanded access to camp experiences for the City’s youth. In coordination with the Utilities Systems Department, Parks & Recreation has secured the use of McCarty Ranch to provide a unique “wilderness camp”, that will provide up to 30 additional camper slots. In coordination with the St. Lucie County School District, Parks & Recreation is in the process of securing 3 school sites that will provide up to 50 camper slots at each site, for a total of 150 additional slots. Finally, Parks & Recreation is proposing to offer a half-day camp in the park that will provide up to 30 additional camper slots. Expanding the program in this manner would allow a total of 510 participants in the PSL Summer Camp program. The department also intends on implementing a lottery program for registration. This is the plan for the 2025 season, and the department will continue to be forward-looking in addressing the high demand for this very successful program.
Financial Information: Currently the City subsidizes the Parks & Recreation 300 participant Summer Camp program at $38,975.00 annually. If the proposed expansion of an additional 180 participants for the 5-day a week Parks & Recreation Summer Camp programs with a $20 fee increase is approved, along with an additional 30 participants for the ½ - 2-day camp expansion, the total City subsidy would be $82,412.60 in 2025. This is an additional $43,437.60 subsidized cost to the City. This additional cost can be covered by identified FTE vacancy savings, and will be budgeted for in future fiscal years.
Special Consideration: Staff’s request for the approval of the proposed fee increase is made in accordance with Chapter 96 of the City’s Code of Ordinances.
Location of Project: City-wide at designated Parks & Recreation facilities.
Attachments: PowerPoint Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25034-08
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Margaret M. Carland, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.