HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2025 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda PacketIf you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact
Gabe Gotera, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210 or ggotera@iowa-city.org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Public Comment for each item will be limited to 3 minutes for each person and a total for no more than 30
minutes per item. Written comments submitted to parksandrecreation@iowa-city.org, prior to 4 p.m. on
Monday, November 10, 2025, will be distributed to the Commission in advance of the meeting.
AGENDA
ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER
ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 8, 2025, MINUTES
ITEM 3 PUBLIC COMMENT ON ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The Commission cannot engage in discussion or debate. However, once the
commenter has left the stand, the Commission may ask staff to respond to
a concern or question posed by the public, or to follow up with the speaker.
ITEM 4 COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOT RENTAL PROGRAM –
Asst. Recreation Supt. Matt Eidahl and Parks and Forestry Supt. Tyler Baird
ITEM 5 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
a) Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
b) Parks and Forestry Superintendent – Tyer Baird
c) Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker
ITEM 6 CHAIRS REPORT
ITEM 7 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM ADJOURN
Parks and Recreation Commission
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
5:00 p.m.
Robert A. Lee Recreation Center – Meeting Room B
220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 8, 2025
ROBERT A. LEE RECREATION CENTER – MEETING ROOM B
Members Present: Connie Moore, Brian Morelli, Virginia Hayes, Michael Gaunt,
Jeff Mallory, Alex Stanton
Members Absent: Missie Forbes, Rachel McPherson, Caleb Recker,
Staff Present: Juli Seydell Johnson, Tyler Baird, Brad Barker, Gabe Gotera,
Caylea Housh
Others Present: Anne Jensen
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Moore called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
Moved by Stanton, seconded by Morelli, to recommend moving forward with the plan
proposed by staff for City Park Pool operations. Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, McPherson,
and Recker absent).
Moved by Stanton, seconded by Mallory, to recommend approving the FY27 Recreation
Fees and Charges as presented. Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, McPherson, and Recker
absent).
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Gaunt, seconded by Morelli, to approve the September 10, 2025, minutes.
Motion passed 5-0 (Forbes, Mallory, McPherson, and Recker absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 2 of 10
CITY PARK POOL OPERATIONS – Superintendent Brad Barker and Program
Supervisor Caylea Housh
Dir. Seydell Johnson introduces Superintendent Barker and Program Supervisor Housh, who will
be discussing the operations for City Park Pool. Seydell Johnson clarifies that tonight will create
the base that the hours, rules, and fees will be built up from.
Supt. Barker compares the proposed hours of operation to that of past years. Barker explains that
having three different pools would give a lot of options with how staff can program the space but
clarifies that the intent is to have City Park Pool open to the public as much as possible, within
the reason of budget and staff allocations. Barker highlights the following major changes:
- The Activity Pool will be a 0-depth-entry and will be the space getting use most from the
younger crowds at the pool. Open swim is proposed for 1 – 8 p.m. on most days for
consistency but would close at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to swimming
lessons. In past years, the pool opened for lap swim at 1 p.m. on week days, 11 a.m. on
Sundays, and closed earlier on Saturdays due to pool rentals.
- The Deep Pool will be the diving well and has proposed hours similar to the Activity
Pool. The Deep Pool would have open swim from 1 – 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday,
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Deep Pool would also close at 5 p.m. for swim lessons
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- The Lap Pool would have more varied hours of operations and would resemble the lap
lane swim hours that were offered previously. The Lap Pool will open for lap swim from
6:15 – 9 a.m., close for swim lessons, and continue lap swim from 11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This would provide an additional 45 minutes of public lap swim every day. The Lap Pool
would transition to Open Swim at 2 p.m. but would keep two 50m lanes open for
exclusively lap swimming. This adds up to 46 additional hours each week where there are
at least two 50m lap lanes available to the public.
- Barker explains that there are blocks on the schedule where the pool appears closed but
clarifies that this is to keep options available to staff for recreation programming.
Supt. Barker explains that staff are currently in the midst of FY27 budget planning, and that what
is possible for hours of operation are dependent on resource and staff allocation. All considered,
staff feels comfortable that there will be enough funding to open with the hours proposed. This
first season will certainly be an opportunity for staff to see what does and doesn’t work in the
new facility.
Supt. Barker says that there will likely be pre and post season hours. Barker explains that the
regular season would be considered when the school district is out for the summer and kids have
availability to go to the pool. Pre and post season hours would consist of reduced open swim
hours and increased lap swim hours during the week. The weekend hours would typically remain
unchanged.
Supt. Barker says that a question was received about keeping the Activity Pool open for water
walking in the morning. Barker explains that the proposed hours would see the Activity Pool
being used for swim lesson in the mornings but clarifies that the Lap Pool could be used for
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 3 of 10
water walking during lap swim hours. The Lap Pool was designed to be shallow enough so that
patrons can utilize the 50 m pool for either water walking or lap swimming.
Vice Chair Morelli notes that there is a block in the middle of the day from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.,
where the Activity Pool is closed while the Lap Pool remains open. Morelli asks why the
Activity Pool is closed for this period when the larger facility is open. Supt. Barker responds that
it is due to the amount of lifeguard staff necessary to cover an additional pool for an additional
hour and a quarter. Barker notes that this would be consistent with previous year’s open swim
schedule, opening at 1 p.m. Barker clarifies that this does not rule out the possibility of
additional hours down the line, if there is enough demand. Barker notes that staff is wanting to
keep the 1p.m. opening time consistent, allowing staff to tell the public that the entire facility
opens at 1 p.m. The Lap Pool would have one more hour before four lanes transition to open
swim at 2 p.m. Commissioner Stanton asks this one hour different would make scheduling a
headache for the lifeguard staff. Program Supervisor Housh expects it to be easy because this
would be consistent with how lap swim operated in the past. Housh says that it may take some
time for the lifeguards to acclimate, but that the lifeguards will be trained to reference the
different hours for the different pools.
Commissioner Mallory arrives at 5:10 p.m.
Supt. Barker goes over the pool rules which are available in Arabic, English, French, Mandarin,
and Spanish. The rules are consistent across all three city pools to make it easier for patrons to
know that it is the same expectations for behavior no matter the location. This also makes it
easier on lifeguard staff who work at multiple locations.
Supt. Barker goes over the following updates to the general pool rules that will take effect next
season:
- Previously, only children 7th grade and up were allowed to be at the pool unattended. This
has changed to also include 6th graders. This change is after Southeast Junior High started
teaching the 6th grade. The rec center rules have already been updated to allow 6th graders
to have rec center facility passes.
- There will not be rentals of the entire facility. Previously, City Park Pool would close at 5
p.m. on Saturday evenings for any pool rentals, sometimes to the disdain of the public
looking to swim. Now, the 5 – 8 p.m. slot on Saturdays will be for public open swim.
- The lap lanes can be rented out to organized swim groups. Some examples would include
iFly, the Iowa City Community School District, and Iowa City Eels. The exact parameters
are lane rentals are only during lap swim time when there are six lanes available. Only
one group can rent lanes at a time, and each group can reserve a maximum of two lanes.
- The Deep Pool may be available for rental during the morning hours, if there is no
programming scheduled, such as a water fitness class. This would happen during lap
swim time, adding a new guard into the rotation.
Barker explains that this are the new schedule during normal circumstances, clarifying that the
Parks and Recreation Director could make some exceptions to the schedule when warranted.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 4 of 10
Commissioner Mallory asks, historically, how popular were pool rentals at the old City Park
Pool. Program Supervisor Housh says that only half of the rentals offered would get reserved.
Housh adds that even if someone reserved the space online, sometimes they would never show
up. This wasn’t very economically efficient with the lifeguarding staff. Even at indoor pools,
rentals would only get reserved about half of the time. Since then, it has been beneficial to have
groups reserve a room at an indoor pool and swim during open swim hours. Due to this success,
staff are looking to use this model at City Park Pool. People would be able to reserve the multi-
purpose room at the new City Park Pool, hang out in a private area, and still get to enjoy the
pool. Commissioner Stanton asks for confirmation that a party could just rent an individual room
at the pool, as opposed to renting the entire pool. Barker confirms this to be true.
Commissioner Hayes asks if there will still be reduced rates offered for evening swims. Supt.
Barker says that this is to be determined. Staff are discussing the options but have not made any
decisions yet.
Supt. Barker talks about organized groups and camps at the pool. It was a sore point for the
public on Thursday afternoons, when the pool was closed to the public except for organized
camps that has pre-registered with the facility. These camps would only be able to come on
Thursday afternoons. The idea was that having all camps come on one day increased the
enjoyment of the public for the rest of the week. This will change to have the pool open as usual
on Thursday afternoons. Now groups and camps can come on any day of the week but will have
to pre-register. There will likely be a set percentage of capacity that will accept groups up to that
point. This way, it will not be overwhelming on any given day.
Commissioner Stanton asks if a motion is made to use the proposed policies as a framework and
if it is found that changes need to be made down the line, would it be brought to the commission
to review. Supt. Barker confirms that this is accurate.
Commissioner Mallory, regarding Rule 15, where if there are 15 or less pool users for 60 minutes
or more, staff reserve the right to close, asks if this is a new or old rule. Program Supervisor
Housh explains that it this has been a rule since at least she was working as lifeguard. Housh
says that it doesn’t happen often, and that staff try to avoid this. If it does happen, it is typically
towards the end of summer when temperature get cooler, children get ready for school, and
attendance drops.
Moved by Stanton, seconded by Morelli, to recommend moving forward with the plan
proposed by staff for City Park Pool operations. Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, McPherson,
and Recker absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 5 of 10
FY27 USER FEES & CHARGES – Superintendent Brad Barker
Supt. Barker explains that staff typically propose any fee adjustments only every other year, and
that for the most part, will be true for FY27. FY26 saw a fee adjustment across the board, while
the only adjustments proposed for FY27 are regarding the daily pool admission fee and a deposit
fee for farmers market vendors.
Supt. Barker says that if you see any empty stalls at the Farmers Market, it is not for a lack of
interest. Typically, these are vendors not showing up, either withdrawing late, or no-call-no-
showing. When this happens, staff don’t have time to reach out to other vendors that are
interested in the spot. This creates the following problems:
1) The poor aesthetic of empty stalls make it appear that there is a lack of interest of vendors
to come to the market.
2) It takes away an opportunity from another vendor that would have been interested in
attending.
3) It takes away revenue from the both the market and the department.
Typically, staff would collect the $25 vendor fee on the day of the market. Staff have tried to
have vendors pay in advance, but it quickly turns into a weekly puzzle to get the payments
beforehand. From both a staffing and vendor perspective, it’s easier to collect the fees day of, but
if they don’t show up, staff is unable to collect their fees. The new idea is to implement a $100
refundable deposit. For each instance that a vendor no-call-no-shows, staff will take $25 from the
refundable deposit. This allows the market to make revenue and the vendor to have bit more skin
in the game. At the end of the season, their remaining deposit balance will be refunded. Barker
state that there have been over 100 no-call-no-shows, leading to a couple thousand dollars in lost
revenue.
Vice Chair Morelli asks if currently, there are any penalties against someone if they don’t show
up. Barker explains that the current penalty is that they will have to call in on Wednesday and
pay in advance to attend the market. The issue with this is that it depends on staff to be present
when they call. From an administration perspective, it would just be easier to take the $25 from
their deposit. If their entire deposit runs dry, they will be taken off the market for the rest of the
season.
Supt. Barker explains that staff are looking to increase the daily pool admission fee from $4 to
$5. The daily pool admission fee of $4 has not increased since the early 2010s. In the meantime,
there have been incremental adjustments to the prices of swim passes, but not the daily fee, as an
increase of $4 to $5 would be a 25% increase. Typically, staff would not make that large of a
price increase, but staff also tries to keep the prices to a flat dollar amount. This way patrons do
not have to deal with coins. Staff have found that from an operation perspective, the increase to
$5 is warranted, and when compared to other local options, is still very fair, competitive, and
affordable.
Supt. Barker states that the cost of the “10 Punch Pass” would also increase from $32 to $40,
making it buy eight punches, get two for free.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 6 of 10
Vice Chair Morelli asks how much of the fees are a portion of the budget for the pool. Dir.
Seydell Johnson says that in 2024, City Park Pool brought in about $100,000 in revenue and that
the expenses were about $241,000. This makes it under 50%. Seydell Johnson clarifies that this
does not take into account season passes.
Vice Chair Morelli asks if the fee would restrict some people from attending. Is there anybody
that does not go to the pool due to the costs. Supt. Barker says that he does not know for the
people that don’t attend, but notes that this was something addressed in the master plan,
particularly financial barriers for participation in programs. Staff tries to alleviate this as much as
possible. There is the RecAssist program, which would take 50% of the swim passes for those
that are income eligible. This would make the 30-day pass basically the cost of a few admissions
a month. Barker says that with the daily fee not adjusting for 15 years, he does not see the $5 fee
to be prohibitive to people any more than the $4 fee was.
Commissioner Stanton asks if the policy to remove someone from the market’s season after their
deposit is run dry is listed in the market rules. Supt. Barker says that it is not currently, but that it
would be in the vendor handbook. The fee adjustment would make it possible to charge the $100
deposit. Stanton asks if it would be possible for a vendor to reup their deposit and miss more
than four markets. Barker says that the larger issue is that the vendor is repeatedly not giving
staff the courtesy of saying “I won’t be able to make it”.
Moved by Stanton, seconded by Mallory, to recommend approving the FY27 Recreation
Fees and Charges as presented. Motion passed 6-0 (Forbes, McPherson, and Recker
absent).
REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF
Commissioner Hayes leaves at 5:33 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Director – Juli Seydell Johnson
Nothing
Parks and Forestry Superintendent – Tyler Baird
Projects: Supt. Baird announces that the summer park projects are mostly complete. Staff have
been communicating with the contractor and are waiting for the delivery of safety surfacing,
such as mulch, which would be installed in the parks. Baird says that the projects have turned out
nicely, encouraging the commissioners to revisit the park locations that they had toured in May
2025.
Tree Plantings: Supt. Baird says that staff have been busy with tree plantings, with only 50-60
trees left to plant in the rights-of-way near Pheasent Hill Park. Baird adds that staff had recently
planted 30 trees in the same neighborhood with the support of Big Grove Brewery. They funded
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 7 of 10
the planting in conjunction with Trees Forever and the Rotary Clubs. Baird notes that Big Grove
Brewery has helped the department with multiple projects over the years.
Parks Maintenance: Supt. Baird discusses the maintenance on the grounds of the following
Parks:
- A new park shelter has been installed in Court Hill Park near the basketball court. The
shelter was of a new style. Staff were able to install it smoothly.
- The playground that was previously in Upper City Park has been moved to Lower City
Park, near the baseball fields. The playground was moved to make way for the renovated
City Park Pool, while keeping the recently new playground equipment still in use. Baird
says that he has already heard positive words from visitors using the baseball fields.
- Staff have been busy working on the Athletic Fields at both Napoleon Park and Iowa City
Kickers Soccer Park for the Fall sports, including soft ball, baseball, flag football, soccer,
and cross country meets.
- One of the parks crews have been working on the bridges in Hickory Hill Park. Some
have already been added with another one being added as part of the REAP grant project.
The new bridge will be wider than before, allowing for emergency services to get across.
This will also make the park more accessible to different areas.
Dir. Seydell Johnson announces that Supt. Baird was chosen to give a presentation at the
National Recreation and Park Association conference. Baird presented “Building the Forest
Through the Trees”, regarding forestry. Seydell Johnson says that the presentation was well
attended and received many good comments from across the country.
Recreation Superintendent – Brad Barker
Events: Supt. Barker highlights the following recent and upcoming Recreation events:
- The “Get Outside!” festival was held several weeks prior at Lower City Park. This was
the third year the festival was hosted and had great turnout with good weather. The
festival is a great opportunity for people to explore different options of outdoor
recreation. There were around a dozen different partner groups that partook, each with
their own activity.
- On Oct. 12, 2025, at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, staff will be hosting an
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration. There will be multiple stages, each with different
activities or crafts. The Recreation Division has been working with Great Plains Action
Network, from Sioux City, who has helped with financing for music, dancing, and spoken
word poetry. The event will require no attendance fee.
- There is a variety of different Halloween events.
o The Sensory Scare Fair, an event with sensory friendly Halloween-themed games
and activities. This was the second year that the event was held and had around
150 attendees.
o The Teen Mystery Night is a type of a dinner theater event.
o The Floating Pumpkin Patch, an event held in one of the indoor pools.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 8 of 10
o The Halloween Carnival is the Recreation Division’s big Halloween event, with
usually around 1,200 attendees, most in costume.
o The Halloween Market is a Halloween themed Farmers Market.
o The Tot Monster Mash is an event for young children to come out and play
different games and activities on Oct. 31.
Chair Moore asks if there is an itinerary for the Indigenous People Day Celebration. Supt. Barker
says that there is a tentative schedule of the different events that staff can send to her.
CHAIRS REPORT
None
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Commissioner Mallory says that he heard that earlier in the day, there were women who felt
unsafe in the woman’s locker room at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Dir. Seydell Johnson
says that staff are on taking the situation seriously, noting that that morning she had been
personally speaking with these women on the subject. Seydell Johnson adds that staff have been
in contact with the police department and have additional meetings setup.
Commissioner Stanton thanks Supt. Barker and the larger Parks and Recreation team for hosting
the open-meeting training at the Terry Trueblood Lodge. Stanton says that he is excited to attend
the upcoming Halloween Carnival, having brought his family in past years.
Vice Chair Morelli says that he watched Parks staff install the shelter in Court Hill Park, noting
that it was fun to watch the crews work and that the shelter looks great. Morelli says that it is
cool to see all the different events that Recreation hosts, especially ones that encourages people
to explore new ways to get outside.
Chair Moore says that she is loves Hickory Hill Park and is glad to see the bridges and trails
being maintained and improved.
Commissioner Mallory wants to recognize the Robert A. Lee custodian, Spencer, for changing
the locks in the men’s locker room, allowing for more use of the larger lockers. Mallory says that
he spoke to Spencer about it and that it was addressed within two days. Dir. Seydell Johnson
thanks Mallory, noting that his appreciation has been passed along to Spencer and the
Government Buildings division.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 9 of 10
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Mallory, seconded by Morelli, to adjourn the meeting at 5:46 p.m. Motion passed
5-0 (Forbes, Hayes, McPherson, and Recker absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
October 8, 2025
Page 10 of 10
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum * = Not a member during this meeting
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES
11
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
4
12
/
1
1
/
2
0
2
4
01
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
02
/
1
2
/
2
0
2
5
03
/
1
2
/
2
0
2
5
04
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
5
05
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
5
06
/
1
1
/
2
0
2
5
07
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
5
08
/
1
3
/
2
0
2
5
09
/
1
0
/
2
0
2
5
10
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
12/31/25
12/31/28
12/31/27
12/31/28
12/31/26
12/31/25
12/31/25
12/31/26
12/31/27
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1632 • 319-356-5100
Date: November 6, 2025
To: Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission
Cc: Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation
From: Matt Eidahl, Assistant Recreation Superintendent
Re: Community Garden Plot Information
Background
Iowa City Parks and Recreation offers over 270 garden plots for individuals and organizations to grow
and harvest their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Community gardening is a fantastic way to enjoy the
outdoors, meet neighbors, and share gardening tips.
Garden Plot Locations
▪ Chadek Green Park – 1920 Friendship St, Iowa City, IA 52245
▪ Kiwanis Park – 1519 Teg Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246
▪ Reno Street Park – 516 Reno St., Iowa City, IA 52245
▪ Wetherby Park – 2400 Taylor Dr., Iowa City, IA 52240
2026 Garden Plot Reservations
Plot Renewals
▪ Open: February 10 – March 6, 2026
▪ Current gardeners may renew their plots
- In person at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center of Mercer Park Aquatic Center
- By phone: Call Iowa City Parks and Recreation at 319-356-5100
New Plot Reservations
▪ Open: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 7:00 am
▪ Location: In person only at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Dr, Iowa City
2026 Garden Season
Location Season Dates
Chadek Green Monday, March 23 – Tuesday, December 1
Kiwanis, Reno Street, Wetherby Monday, April 13 – Saturday, October 17
Garden Plot Sizes & Fees
Plot Size Dimensions Fee*
Mini 10’ x 10’ $15.00
Small 20’ x 10’ $20.00
Large 50’ x 10’ $30.00
* Non-residents add $5 per plot
Raised Garden Beds at Chadek Green Park
As part of the Chadek Green Park Improvement Project, which includes ADA access improvements, a
new restroom, a shelter, and a parking area, six new raised garden beds have been added. Each “H”-
shaped bed measures 7’ x 7’.
Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals
Wed, Oct 1 8 12 3 4 7 10 4 48
Thu, Oct 2 5 6 5 0 10 8 8 42
Fri, Oct 3 7 7 5 8 5 13 9 1 21 1 0 54
Sat, Oct 4 4 4 3 5 6 3 2 3 3 33
Sun, Oct 5 2 11 1 2 0
Mon, Oct 6 3 6 2 5 7 16 7 46
Tue, Oct 7 4 1 6 4 2 6 5 28
Wed, Oct 8 6 4 4 1 11 7 5 38
Thu, Oct 9 7 3 7 3 3 11 6 40
Fri, Oct 10 7 4 2 5 8 7 7 1 3 2 1 40
Sat, Oct 11 7 2 1 1 2 6 3 1 3 26
Sun, Oct 12 0 12 3 0 0
Mon, Oct 13 7 3 1 7 11 8 4 41
Tue, Oct 14 5 4 1 6 4 8 5 33
Wed, Oct 15 4 4 2 3 16 9 3 41
Thu, Oct 16 4 4 3 6 5 6 4 32
Fri, Oct 17 5 4 1 5 8 10 3 1 10 5 1 36
Sat, Oct 18 4 2 5 2 0 6 6 3 0 28
Sun, Oct 19 0 0 3 4 0
Mon, Oct 20 8 2 1 6 9 8 4 38
Tue, Oct 21 5 2 6 6 3 12 7 41
Wed, Oct 22 3 5 2 4 7 9 8 38
Thu, Oct 23 2 3 4 4 4 8 1 26
Fri, Oct 24 7 4 3 0 5 5 2 0 0 0 0 26
Sat, Oct 25 4 3 5 4 3 2 2 1 1 25
Sun, Oct 26 0 2 1 1 0
Mon, Oct 27 9 3 2 3 9 13 1 40
Tue, Oct 28 5 1 3 4 5 6 8 32
Wed, Oct 29 6 5 2 4 9 8 4 38
Thu, Oct 30 5 1 5 4 9 7 5 36
Fri, Oct 31 4 3 5 3 3 11 4 1 0 0 0 33
Total Scans:924 979
31.6
text
Averages:
Column Total:
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2025 (1 of 2)
$2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals :
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
Date Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Lessons Event # Count Event Name Row Totals
Wed, October 1 48 42 90
Thu, October 2 42 57 99
Fri, October 3 54 4 23 $2 Swim 81
Sat, October 4 33 5 38
Sun, October 5 62 16 $2 Swim 78
Mon, October 6 46 28 47 121
Tue, October 7 28 63 91
Wed, October 8 38 22 29 89
Thu, October 9 40 62 102
Fri, October 10 40 18 7 $2 Swim 65
Sat, October 11 26 5 31
Sun, October 12 49 15 $2 Swim 64
Mon, October 13 41 21 37 99
Tue, October 14 33 42 75
Wed, October 15 41 22 43 106
Thu, October 16 32 56 88
Fri, October 17 36 21 17 $2 Swim 74
Sat, October 18 28 5 33
Sun, October 19 38 38
Mon, October 20 38 21 59
Tue, October 21 41 41
Wed, October 22 38 14 52
Thu, October 23 26 26
Fri, October 24 26 26
Sat, October 25 25 2 27
Sun, October 26 64 4 $2 Swim 68
Mon, October 27 40 24 42 106
Tue, October 28 32 51 83
Wed, October 29 38 16 48 102
Thu, October 30 36 54 90
Fri, October 31 33 18 1 $2 Swim 52
Column Totals:979 246 848 121 2194
Averages:31.6 7.9 27.4 3.9 70.8
text
Robert A Lee Recreation Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2025 (2 of 2)
$2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals :
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
Date 6-7a 7-8a 8-9a 9-10a 10-11a 11-12p 12-1p 1-2p 2-3p 3-4p 4-5p 5-6 p 6-7p 7-8p Daily Rec Totals
Wed, Oct 1 9 7 9 10 11 15 8 8 6 3 9 10 4 4 113
Thu, Oct 2 8 9 10 14 10 11 10 15 13 6 4 8 3 0 97
Fri, Oct 3 9 12 6 21 15 15 8 6 15 11 11 8 2 5 144
Sat, Oct 4 4 5 4 5 8 11 5 9 6 12 15 6 8 2 100
Sun, Oct 5 21 5 13 10 19 9 11 1 0 89
Mon, Oct 6 10 10 4 18 18 9 8 16 4 5 12 2 2 1 119
Tue, Oct 7 7 13 13 13 12 12 13 8 5 10 6 7 4 2 100
Wed, Oct 8 12 10 8 14 5 12 8 6 3 4 14 6 6 2 110
Thu, Oct 9 6 10 8 11 5 5 7 17 5 5 4 5 9 0 81
Fri, Oct 10 9 8 10 12 13 8 12 7 9 5 1 1 8 0 103
Sat, Oct 11 4 3 3 5 4 7 9 6 8 4 5 5 1 1 65
Sun, Oct 12 20 5 15 4 6 15 10 4 0 79
Mon, Oct 13 8 8 9 20 14 6 5 4 5 5 8 6 8 2 108
Tue, Oct 14 9 13 8 16 14 9 7 9 5 1 2 1 3 3 70
Wed, Oct 15 14 9 10 17 4 10 10 3 5 8 11 9 4 3 117
Thu, Oct 16 9 9 7 24 10 11 8 11 6 9 8 1 0 5 84
Fri, Oct 17 11 14 6 11 3 9 12 6 7 5 9 3 6 0 102
Sat, Oct 18 2 2 7 3 6 16 5 5 9 6 4 5 5 2 77
Sun, Oct 19 21 8 2 12 4 9 6 7 1 70
Mon, Oct 20 7 14 7 13 8 11 3 3 6 5 12 3 4 3 99
Tue, Oct 21 9 9 10 12 16 12 9 11 12 8 9 0 5 4 98
Wed, Oct 22 8 9 6 8 12 9 8 6 6 4 6 2 3 0 87
Thu, Oct 23 8 7 8 12 13 11 9 8 3 8 9 6 2 4 83
Fri, Oct 24 6 13 5 11 13 7 10 4 15 9 0 1 2 2 98
Sat, Oct 25 4 1 4 7 7 6 9 6 6 6 19 3 4 6 88
Sun, Oct 26 19 7 9 11 2 4 5 7 0 64
Mon, Oct 27 10 10 10 15 5 13 8 5 6 1 7 8 7 2 107
Tue, Oct 28 7 11 11 13 21 9 12 9 8 5 7 0 3 1 83
Wed, Oct 29 10 8 10 11 9 6 7 1 2 7 8 1 4 3 87
Thu, Oct 30 7 6 5 9 12 10 13 16 4 7 4 2 1 2 77
Fri, Oct 31 10 9 7 11 11 4 13 2 9 5 3 3 1 1 89
Total Scans:2601 2888
93.2
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2025 (1 of 2)
ICE = 92 (includes masters)
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
$2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals :
Column Total:
Averages:
Date Daily Rec Totals Water Fitness Swim Team Event # Count Event Name Row Totals
Wed, October 1 113 120 233
Thu, October 2 97 6 120 24 $2 Swim 247
Fri, October 3 144 1 120 265
Sat, October 4 100 120 220
Sun, October 5 89 89
Mon, October 6 119 2 120 241
Tue, October 7 100 6 120 25 $2 Swim 251
Wed, October 8 110 120 230
Thu, October 9 81 5 120 16 $2 Swim 222
Fri, October 10 103 0 120 223
Sat, October 11 65 120 185
Sun, October 12 79 79
Mon, October 13 108 1 120 229
Tue, October 14 70 4 120 30 $2 Swim 224
Wed, October 15 117 120 237
Thu, October 16 84 7 120 34 $2 Swim 245
Fri, October 17 102 0 120 222
Sat, October 18 77 120 197
Sun, October 19 70 70
Mon, October 20 99 1 120 220
Tue, October 21 98 5 120 28 $2 Swim 251
Wed, October 22 87 120 207
Thu, October 23 83 7 120 25 $2 Swim 235
Fri, October 24 98 0 120 218
Sat, October 25 88 120 208
Sun, October 26 64 64
Mon, October 27 107 2 120 229
Tue, October 28 83 4 120 34 $2 Swim 241
Wed, October 29 87 120 207
Thu, October 30 77 7 120 21 $2 Swim 225
Fri, October 31 89 0 120 209
Column Totals:2888 58 3240 237 6423
Averages:93.2 1.9 104.5 7.6 207.2
Mercer Park Aquatic Center - Indoor Swimming Pool Totals - October 2025 (2 of 2)
ICE = 92 (includes masters)
Facility closed for events/maintenance/holiday:
$2 Swim. This quantity is not included in Daily Rec Totals :
Community Foundation of Johnson County
City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Accounts
Iowa City Parks and Rec Endowment Fund
Statement Activity
Iowa City Parks and Rec Charitable Giving Fund
September 01, 2025 - September 31, 2025
Beginning Balance:$42,349.09
Total Fund Income:$100.00
Total Fund Expenses:$3.20
Ending Balance:$42,445.89
Statement Activity
Ending Balance:$285,978.34
September 01, 2025 - September 31, 2025
Beginning Balance:$277,589.72
Total Fund Income:$8,455.63
Total Fund Expenses:$67.01
Iowa City Parks & Recreation Staff Report
November 2025
Upcoming Events
• Holiday Market – Saturday, November 15 and December 6, 8 am – 1 pm; RAL
• UI Day of Play – Saturday, December 6; 10 am – Noon; MPAC
• All In: Community Wellness – Saturday, December 6; 10 am – Noon; MPAC
• Winter Solstice Celebration – Sunday, December 221; 1-3 pm; RAL
• Noon Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop & Pool Party; Wednesday, December 31; 11:30 am – 1 pm; RAL
Notable from Parks & Recreation Staff
Parks:
• We planted a total of 587 trees this year. We were short of our 750-tree goal because we are still
waiting on $30,000 worth of grant funding that has been on hold at the state level. If these funds would
have been available, we would have planted a total of 755 trees this year, but we are still proud of what
we accomplished.
• The park improvement project at Adelaide Joy Rogers is waiting on delivery and installation of the
shelter but the playground is open for play.
• The improvements to the grounds at the Ashton House are mostly complete and utilized $200,000 of
Iowa DNR REAP Grant funding.
• The open house for the North Market Square Park Improvement Project is scheduled for November 20th
at 6:30 pm at the Rec Center.
• Contracted natural areas work along the Sycamore Greenway has begun and is being funded by part of a
$200,000 Iowa DNR REAP Grant.
• We are happy to share that we have yet another REAP Grant project that has been awarded $200,000 to
make improvements to the recent addition to Hickory Hill Park.
• Eight staff competed in the first annual park maintenance skills rodeo event in October. We had one
staff member place 3rd in the plant ID contest and a trailer operations team of two place 3rd in that
event.
• The Terrell Mill Skatepark/Pump Track project is currently out for bids.
• All parks have been winterized meaning all drinking fountains and unheated restrooms are closed for
the season.
• Each day for the month of November, two rotating staff members are assisting Streets with their leaf
collection program.
Recreation:
• Staff have been collaborative in planning and implementing several fall events that require the
coordination of many program areas and their Program Supervisors. Of particular note, the Halloween
Carnival and Get Outside Recreation Festival both benefited from beautiful weather and had wonderful
attendance.
• The third annual Indigenous Peoples Day event was held at TTRA on October 12. This was held on a
Sunday afternoon rather than a weekday evening. The daylight and warmer temps make this mid-
October event easier for visitor engagement. This event is in partnership with the Indigenous led Great
Plains Action Society in an effort to feature representative entertainment, speakers and food options.
• The Winter/Spring activity registration period will begin Tuesday, December 9th for residents and
Wednesday, December 10th for everyone else.
Facilities:
• Robert A Lee-
o Staff are continuing to strip and wax floors in-between events and rentals.
o Pool Deck and locker room epoxy floor RFP have came back favorable. We plan to award
contract next week for work to be completed in December.
Work Will take place take place Dec. 12th -Jan. 16th
o Facilities staff are in the design phase of replacing portions of RAL roof and updating HVAC units
Project will take place summer FY26’
Cemetery:
• Staff noticed some roof damage on one of the mausoleums in the cemetery and will be calling
contractors for repair estimates.
Top Staff Issues
Parks
• Continuing to provide the same high level of service is a challenge as prices of all inputs go up while
budgets stay flat.
Recreation
• Illness as we head into the winter months has made the staffing of some program areas challenging at
times.
• Customer service staffing hours have shifted at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center to double-up on
weekday mornings where there tends to be a higher volume of patrons coming through the doors with
transactional needs and additional assistance to address patron behavioral issues and concerns.
Cemetery:
• Mowing / leaf mulching is in full swing.
• Staff has also been watering the new trees more often.
• Staff will need to retrofit the cabs to fit on the new tractors before the first snow.
Oakland
Cemetery
Average Interments 5yr avg. from on Revenue total