City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2015
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration for the Release of $10,000 from Contingent Reserve Funding for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Programming.
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ISSUE: Consideration for the release of contingent funding for Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) programming in FY 2016.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council release $10,000 from FY 2016 contingent reserves funding for RPCA "Power Swim" programming initiative.
BACKGROUND: Through the add/delete process of the FY 2016 budget approval process, the City Council set aside $10,000 in contingent reserves for recreation center programming. The release of these funds requires a written proposal from City staff to City Council on how to most effectively allocate the funding. The contingent reserves plan was the result of budget reductions and the related discussion in regard to reducing operating hours at William Ramsay Recreation Center on Sundays and the four (4) Federal holidays.
DISCUSSION: In the Department's most recent Needs Assessment, and in the survey related to the upcoming construction of the new Patrick Henry Recreation Center, results show that aquatic programming is the number one stated need of residents. Swim lessons provided by the department have historically been in high demand. The demand is built upon traditional Saturday morning classes which fill up as quickly as they are advertised; however, other days and times have less registration.
RPCA registration data shows that the Out of School Time Program (OSTP) after-school enrollment on the West End of the City has the highest registration numbers particularly at William Ramsay and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers. However, less than 2% of those children register for formal swim classes. In addition...
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