Department Description
Parks & Recreation is responsible for the operation of parks, rentals, recreation programming and events, the operation of the Portage Farmers Market, the operation of park facilities, and planning for new facilities and renovations. The Parks & Recreation Department oversees 18 park sites located throughout the City of Portage; manages the protection of natural and physical city assets; and provides recreation, cultural and leisure programs for resident enjoyment.
Core Services
Parks
The department is primarily responsible for the operating and patrolling over 1,000 acres of Portage Park land and over twenty-three miles of trails by Park Rangers, park facility rentals, and the facilitation of community walk/runs, rentals, and other special events and festivals held within the Portage park system.
Recreation
Recreation staff administer year-round recreational programming and events, including adult softball leagues and tournaments, pickleball and ping-pong leagues, fishing and sports camps, nature programs, arts/cultural, and bicycling activities. This department also operates Ramona Park Beach, the Millennium Park Ice Rink, Portage Bike Rentals, and the Portage Farmers Market. Special events such as Friday at the Flats, Movies in the Park, the Summer Concert Series, the Fall Festival, Monster Mash, and the Traditional Holiday and Tree Lighting Celebration are also supported by this budget.
Department Goals
Objective: Increase Entrepreneurship
Goal: Number of new businesses participating in the Portage Farmers Market, commercial kitchen, and incubator space.
Strategies: Provide facilities and programs for new businesses to market their products and services; Provide entrepreneurship workshops around food and arts (business development).
Alignment with Strategic Priorities: Economic Development
Objective: Maintain Customer Satisfaction
Goal: Minimum customer satisfaction rating of 90%.
Strategies: Increase community program/event participation by 10% each year; Ensure parks are maintained with proper reporting and follow up; Increase recreation and tourism opportunities
Alignment with Strategic Priorities: Municipal Services
Objective: Achieve Self Sustainability of Parks Programs
Goal: 50% of revenues to offset budget expenditures
Strategies: Establish new revenue streams; Find new markets for existing facilities to enhance revenues
Alignment with Strategic Priorities: Finance
Objective: Reduce Carbon Emissions
Goal: Tons of CO2 (percent year-over-year reduction)
Strategies: Increase use of cycling; Maintain 45% tree canopy by planting trees and constructing around trees, when possible; reduce invasive species and establish natural space; Establish community gardens (carbon footprint); Explore alternative fuel technology for the city fleet (DPW)
Alignment with Strategic Priorities: Environment