Park & Recreation Commission Item

The 2026 picnic reservation season was another successful year with a total of 155 bookings across our three rentable facilities, an increase from 145 reservations in 2025. Picnic shelters continued to accommodate a variety of gatherings including graduation parties, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, memorials and other community events.

This season, Lakeside Pavilion at Lake Ann Park led with 63 reservations, followed by the Lake Susan Picnic Shelter with 47 reservations and Klingelhutz Pavilion at Lake Ann Park with 45 reservations. Collectively, these bookings generated $17,553.73 in revenue, an increase of $236.54 compared to 2025. In addition to formal reservations, picnic facilities continue to be utilized by community groups, programs, camps and individuals for casual gatherings throughout the season.

Online reservations continued to be the preferred booking method with 138 reservations submitted through the ActiveNet portal, accounting for approximately 90% of recorded booking methods. Additional reservations included 8 by phone, 7 in person and 2 by email. This represents an increase in online booking usage compared to 2025 when approximately 76% of reservations were completed online, reflecting the community's continued preference for the convenience of online reservations.

Following each picnic reservation, staff distributes evaluation forms via email to gather feedback from park users. Survey responses indicated positive experiences with the picnic facilities, particularly regarding their locations, accessibility, and available amenities. Some respondents also identified opportunities for improvement including facility cleanliness, communication during the reservation process and additional amenities. Staff continues to review this feedback to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance the overall rental experience.

Picnic reservations also require coordination with other park activities and special events throughout the summer. At Lake Ann Park, large athletic tournaments create additional demands on parking and park facilities, while adult baseball leagues at Lake Susan Park also influence shelter availability. Staff works to balance these activities with picnic reservations to ensure facilities remain accessible and enjoyable for park users.

Overall, the 2026 picnic reservation season demonstrated continued community interest in the city's rentable picnic facilities with increases in both reservations and revenue compared to the previous year. Staff remains committed to providing quality facilities, maintaining an efficient reservation process and addressing feedback received from park users. We welcome the Commission's input and suggestions as we continue evaluating opportunities to improve the picnic reservation experience for future seasons.