The Williamsport Recreation Department budget was up 2.18 % over this year’s, with plans in place for residents and guests to experience a wealth of facilities’ upgrades and new special events in 2026.

Sean Walker, city recreation coordinator, in his budget address to City Council, noted various increases and some decreases in the budget, overall.

Councilman Eric Beiter asked about any major expenses anticipated for the pool at Memorial Park, and Councilwoman Liz Miele asked if the department had a conversation about where it might be thinking of how best to use its budget. Miele also suggested that Walker write down a list of goals and plans that could be created and shared with the council.

Meanwhile, Public Financial Management Group (PFM), of Philadelphia, assisting on the strategic management plan, mentioned how the city might want to reconsider spending $200,000 on a scum gutter (as an example only) and place those large amount of funds into, perhaps, an expanded summer recreation program, or another day camp in other parts of the city. The day camp is held at Memorial Park.

Scott Livermore, director of the Public Works Department, said the pool scum gutters typically have a three-to-five-year lifespan, and would likely need to be replaced.

Miele likened the department and subsequent Streets and Parks department, having a discussion on long-term maintenance or immediate needs for equipment as similar to one owning a car that has a $2,000 transmission repair due, and how the owner might want to trade in or buy another car rather than reinvest in that. She clarified that she was not advocating for closure of the pool, but suggested a conversation could take place to consider where best to place funds and position the city in the best situation moving forward..

Livermore acknowledged the city had not discussed these matters about the pool because it just put $270,000 worth of equipment (such as liners, electrical etc.) along with the $1 million that was invested in the facility several years ago.

Miele said she wished Lycoming County would have a recreation authority and how much she and her children thought the pool was awesome. At one time the city had three pools in operation.

“We do have the splash pad,” Councilwoman Bonnie Katz said.

After the conversation, Walker said he believed it was necessary to check on the pool attendance. He noted how it would be nice to have another splash pad in another park other than Shaw Place Park.

He further suggested that with the introduction of the bike park in Shaw Place Park next year, he anticipated enhanced use of the splash pad.

He said the city has numerous parks and facilities upgrades, including Elm Park, Youngs Woods and Newberry.

Beiter asked Walker if the department did a spot check to get hard data on the new amenities next year to determine whether the city has the right amenities to serve the communities.

Walker said that that had not occurred but he noted how he does check on the various facilities as part of his job and observed how there were more children and families using the splash pad than there were at the pool.

He also agreed with the council that he would like to see another summer recreation day camp but that money was not in the budget and without that money it would not be possible.

Miele suggested the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania might be a source to check on.

Walker also noted how the children attending the summer camps are coming from all over, South Williamsport, and all points around the city.

Liz said the city has the infrastructure to support expansion of the summer day camp programs and that financing might not be as hefty if there would be an attempt at a one-year pilot program or that concept moving forward. She asked Walker about the possibility of the use of Shaw Place Park’s building as a possible space for the campers to go indoors in case of poor weather, “It’s more like a pool house that’s built in sections,” he said.

Beiter asked a question about the chemicals costing $10,000. Livermore said these were more than anticipated and there were more efficient and safe switches to a different form of acid as well as the chlorine.

Councilman Randy Allison noticed the advertising went from $5,000 on down to $1,000 and asked if it was essential to get the word out on the recreation programs and events.

Walker noted how he was using more free forms of advertising such as Facebook, the mayor’s billboard on Market Street and that through a church in Newberry.

Walker said the goal for next year is to be more creative than this year.

This year, there were movies at the pool, a glow party at the pool and a haunted house at Shaw Place Park – all of which were well attended. While the 2025 Holiday Parade is cancelled due to prior poor attendance and inclement weather, the department is coordinating with those putting on the German Market outside of Lycoming College, Walker said.

Miele asked Walker if the music in the park would continue, and Walker said yes, but offered a caveat.

“We got feedback from the bands that they’d rather play in a nearby bar or at Pine Square,” he said. There were two Christian musical performances and events that took place that were heavily attended, he said.

Miele encouraged Walker to consider scheduling with the Ways Garden Commission and said she could help out with the list of potential bands.

Obviously, the bands cannot use any foul language or any hardcore rap or anything that would not be family-oriented, officials discussed.

Walker said he wanted to boost the arts and crafts festival, Homemade Days in Brandon Park with musical performances for those two days.

Councilman Jon Mackey asked if there was an overarching reason why the bands did not want to perform at the bandshell.

Walker said he thought it was because of the past discussions about the conditions there, such as not having access to a proper electrical system.

The bandshell underwent extensive improvements – including design, structure and accessibility.