Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – February 3, 2026

The Carson City Parks and Recreation Commission met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included public comments on various projects, recognition of outgoing commissioners, election of officers, and discussions on fee policy updates, fee schedule changes, and the FY 2026-27 budget priorities. The commission voted to recommend the updated fee policy and fee schedule to the Board of Supervisors, with a specific adjustment to keep youth and senior drop-in fees at $4. They also recommended the budget priorities as presented.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the December 2, 2025 joint meeting of the Parks and Rec Commission and the Open Space Advisory Committee. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lucia Maloney (President, C Hill Foundation): Provided an update on the C Hill Flag Project. Expressed gratitude to the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation and staff for widening the trail from the saddle out to the flag. Noted that staff removed brush up to 20 feet around the flag perimeter. Announced over $35,000 raised for flag repair, with a final push for about $5,000 more. Panels are produced and scheduled to ship this week. Donated labor from Simerson Construction and Bill Miles Construction. Encouraged donations via carsonflagfoundation.com or the Foundation for Parks and Recreation website. A volunteer push planned for May.
• Leah Cartwright (Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner): Thanked the commission and noted the community's creativity in funding parks and recreation, with private, public, and nonprofit sectors working together. Mentioned her role as a caregiver for her grandmother and her intention to return as a public member to testify on Riley Park Circle and Mills Park.
• Dave Whitefield (Former Commissioner): Thanked commissioners for their support during his tenure. Expressed gratitude for public support. Thanked staff, specifically Nick Wentworth, for the new pickleball courts, stating the community got everything they asked for. Noted positive feedback from out-of-town players. Acknowledged Scott Chapman for encouraging him to join the commission.
• Denny French (Carson City resident): Expressed appreciation for the commission despite past disagreements. Requested that the commission research and post signage at artificial turf fields regarding off-gassing, materials, heat monitoring, and water use for cooling. Suggested assigning an individual at each event to monitor heat and enforce safety, especially for children, who show heat differently than adults. Stated he will whistle-stop play if field temperatures exceed 120°F, but does not want to be in that position.
• Dennis Peterson (Representing disc golf community): Stated Carson City consistently ranks #1 or #2 in Nevada for disc golf. Over 11,000 disc golf courses in the U.S., with 10-12 million players in over 40 countries. Growth of 15-20% year-over-year participation. Carson City course remains popular with families, beginners (9-hole pony course), seniors, and visitors from Reno and Tahoe. Requested investments and improvements, specifically a shade structure and a permanent restroom.
• Greg Swift (Board member, Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation; speaking as Disc Golf Advocate): Expressed support for disc golf projects under the foundation. Announced a work day on March 21st coordinated by volunteer coordinator Aaron Larson. New flags on baskets, wood signs made by a retired carpenter. Thanked Dave Whitefield and Leah Cartwright for their commissioner service. Encouraged the commission to keep disc golf in mind during the budget process. Noted the importance of well-run facilities for attracting travelers.
• Denny French (again, during closing public comment): Expressed disappointment that the tree loss issue was not addressed. Estimated cost to replace over 200 trees at $70,000+. Stressed need for an arborist and proper tree care. Criticized lack of response to his questions. Asked the commission to address tree budget and arborist issues. Also mentioned neglect of the Umpire Cemetery and requested attention.

Recognition of Outgoing Commissioners

• Jennifer Budge (Director): Thanked outgoing Commissioners Dave Whitefield and Leah Cartwright for their passion, support, and advocacy. Presented parting gifts. Announced a larger celebration in the spring at the pickleball courts.
• Commission Comments: Commissioners thanked both for their dedication, insights on pickleball and youth programs (aquatics, Mills Park), and commitment to the community. Encouraged them to attend future meetings and speak in public comment. Welcomed new commissioners.

Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026

• The commission voted unanimously to elect Jacob McDermott as Chair and Lisa Shute as Vice Chair for the 2026 calendar year.

Discussion Items

Update to Parks and Recreation and Open Space Department Fees and Charges Policy

• Jennifer Budge and Dan Arp (Recreation Superintendent) presented proposed updates to the fee policy and fee schedule.
• Policy Changes Discussed:
  • Clarified booking deposit definition (page 2).
  • Clarified resident definition to mean living within Carson City's geographic boundaries (not Washoe Valley, Indian Hills, Dayton). Suggested adding a map.
  • Prioritization for scheduling: public, then Carson City School District and other agreements (Section 3.3.1).
  • Cancellation clarifications (Section 3.8).
  • Non-resident fees and priorities for Carson City residents (Section 4.5.1).
  • Gate fees and ticketing clarifications to ensure free public access to public amenities (Section 4.1.8).
  • Removed the word "competitive" from Section 3.6 regarding market analysis; will strike first sentence.
  • Clarified booking deposit is refundable if no damage or excess cleaning, applied to rental fee and security/cleaning.
  • Added definition for pass-through fees.
  • Discussed 90-day cancellation policy for major events (e.g., state fair, theater) and 30-day for sports tournaments. Some commissioners felt 90 days was long; staff noted it is for events booked a year out.
  • Clarified that non-profit discounts apply only to rifle/pistol range and theater, per board direction.
• Fee Schedule Changes Discussed:
  • Aquatics/ MAC: Proposal to raise drop-in fees by $1 (youth and seniors from $4 to $5; adults $5 to $6) with proportional increases on punch passes and memberships based on a set equation.
  • Commissioner Meyer proposed keeping youth and senior drop-in fees at $4, with other fees increasing for adults and families (average ~20% increase). Staff noted this would reduce cost recovery impact but provide relief.
  • After discussion and public comment, the commission voted to keep youth and senior rates at the 2023 levels ($4 drop-in) and approve other fee increases as proposed.
  • Rifle/pistol range: Changed from in-state/out-of-state to Carson City resident/non-resident. Drop-in from $5 to $7. Annual pass for residents increased by $10; non-resident annual pass remains $100 due to previous out-of-state rate.
  • Sports fields: Added synthetic field fees, changed to hourly rates. Light fee set at $30/hour, noted as higher than some competitors but covers costs.
  • Community center: Added after-hours fee (significant increase from $13 to $25 to cover overtime).
  • Added fees for commercial use of park spaces (e.g., yoga class at $20/hr) and equipment storage on open space.
• Outcome: Motion to recommend the updated policy and fee schedule to the Board of Supervisors, with the amendment to keep youth and senior fees at 2023 levels. Motion passed unanimously (voice vote).

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Departmental Budget Request and Funding Priorities

• Jennifer Budge presented priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing on capital improvement projects.
• Key Priorities Presented:
  • Quality of Life Capital Fund:
    • Park and Rec Master Plan update ($50k requested from QOL capital, matching $50k from general fund).
    • Title 13 municipal code update.
    • Portable outfield fencing for tournaments.
    • Centennial Park lights: Upgrade tennis court lights and install LED lights on upper fields (initial $800k, with lease payments over 4 years).
  • Quality of Life Maintenance Fund:
    • ADA stairs at pool (noted as $15k, not $50k as shown in packet).
    • Outdoor pool safety cover.
    • Stage deck parts.
    • Engineering inspection of outdoor pool.
    • Dump trailers and equipment.
  • Quality of Life Open Space Fund:
    • Continued water rights purchase for Buzzies Ranch (final $110k-$120k after grants).
    • Code updates for open space.
    • Dump trailer and excavator attachment.
  • Residential Construction Tax Fund:
    • Estimated ~$320k available next year (after reimbursements).
    • Priority: Design for new playground at Governor's Field (~$50k).
  • General Fund Capital:
    • Match for Duncan Golf course improvements ($50k).
    • Half of master plan update.
    • Urban forestry reinvestment (irrigation, tree planting on Coontz, Carson Street, West College Parkway).
  • Redevelopment Fund:
    • ADA improvements at theater/community center ($800k construction).
• Discussion:
  • Commissioner Meyer requested adding youth soccer field lights to future capital plans; staff noted significant cost but will add to long-term CIP.
  • Commissioner Kirk noted the 30th anniversary of Question 18 (Quality of Life) and urged continued focus on gateway improvements, specifically the North Gateway.
  • Public comment from Denny French raised concerns about tree loss and neglect of Umpire Cemetery; requested an arborist and accountability.
• Outcome: Motion to recommend the budget requests and priorities as presented. Motion passed (voice vote).

Director's Report (Jennifer Budge)

• Carson City Lights event at Mills Park: February 6-15, 6-10 PM. Immersive art experience. Tickets $20, kids under 12 free. Partnered with Culture and Tourism Authority.
• New restroom at Upper Centennial tennis courts installed. Plumbing and finishing expected to take about another month; will be open by mid-April to May. Will not need winterization.
• Major improvements at Sonoma Park: new driveway for public works well access, dog park improvements.
• Ski program is full with 53 teens. Could serve another 53 with an additional bus.
• 30th anniversary of the Quality of Life Fund. Planning committee formed; celebrations and free events planned throughout the year.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of December 2 minutes.
• Unanimous election of Jacob McDermott (Chair) and Lisa Shute (Vice Chair) for 2026.
• Vote to recommend the updated Fee Policy and Fee Schedule to the Board of Supervisors, with the adjustment to keep youth and senior drop-in fees at $4 (2023 levels). Motion passed unanimously.
• Vote to recommend the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget requests and priorities to the Board of Supervisors. Motion passed.
• Next meeting: April 7, 2026 (agenda to include update on Upper Centennial and annual golf update from Duncan Golf).
• Adjournment.