parks, recreation and culture annual report

8/22/2019 Parks, Recreation and Culture Annual Report

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D e p a r t m e n t o f P a r k s , R e c r e a t i o n a n d C u l t u r e A n n u a l R e p o r t 1

F i s c a l Y e a r 2 0 1 2

A Messagefrom the Director

Parks, recreational facilities and cultural programs are an integral part of the quality of life in Gaithersburg.

From classes and sports, to the Water Park, to arts programs, historical sites, and special events, attendance

at Gaithersburg parks and programs exceeds 600,000 annually.

This annual report for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture covers Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, July 1,

2011 to June 30, 2012. The report references some programs and facilities whose activities span the

summer months, such as our summer camps and the Water Park.

During FY2012, our full and part-time staff continued to raise the bar by providing creative, innovative

programming in quality facilities that engage citizens with diverse interests and abilities. Our cadre of

committed volunteers also makes priceless contributions to our programs and administration. Youth were

able to participate in enriching, engaging programs after school, on school holidays, and during the

summer. The senior community actively worked out, socialized, learned, and travelled to destinations

around the region. Adults and children exercised their minds and bodies participating in sports, fitness

and arts programs.

Live performances at Kentlands Mansion, the Arts Barn, the Concert Pavilion, and at parks throughout

the City enriched both residents and visitors. The Senior Center, Community Museum and Water Park all

received renovations and enhancements. We collaborated with Montgomery County, the City of Rockville

and others on initiatives such as the Water Safety Day and Senior Picnic. We collected books to assist

disadvantaged families through drop boxes at our facilities. We welcomed Edward Chow, Marylands

Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the Senior Center Veterans Day Luncheon. We dedicated the Casey

Community Center Fountain to retired employee Tommy Mason, who maintained that facility for more

than 30 years.

FY12 was a year of challenges as we continued to work within these tough economic times. Through it all, the

Department continued to produce high-quality programming, to meet revenue goals, and to provide outstanding

customer service.

We thank Mayor Sidney Katz, members of the City Council, and residents of our community for the

enthusiastic support of the parks, recreation and cultural programs that continue to make Gaithersburg

a great place to live, work, learn, and play.

Michele R. Potter

Director

Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture


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2 D e p a r t m e n t o f P a r k s , R e c r e a t i o n a n d C u l t u r e A n n u a l R e p o r t

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Staffing: Approximately 350 part-time employees worked more than 134,000 hours.

Overview

Recreational opportunities in the City of Gaithersburg have expanded greatly over the years. The parks and

recreation system began in 1970 when the City had three parks Civic Center (now Griffith Park), Duvall Park and

Lee Street Park (now Constitution Gardens) and a total of nine acres. Today, the City has 25 parks and nine

recreation facilities that cover 854 acres. Seneca Creek State Park, also in Gaithersburg, provides 29 additionalacres of park land for the use of Gaithersburg residents. On City-owned grounds there are athletic fields, aquatic

facilities, meeting and class facilities, gymnasiums, fitness facilities, miniature golf, an outdoor performance pavilion,

trails, and natural areas. A full range of classes, sports programs, youth activities, cultural art performances,

and special events can be found at these and other facilities throughout the City.

Our committed, professional staff continues to develop innovative programming to meet the needs of our diverse

population. Our staff is comprised of four divisions. TheArts and Special Events Division produces large

celebrations and neighborhood events and promotes a climate in which artistic expression and creative excellence

can flourish. The Recreation and Parks Services Division manages the aquatics program and provides

active and passive parkland, preserves green space and encourages residents of all ages to get out and play through

organized sports and recreation programs. The Facilities and Administration Division provides the

Department with resources and support and provides individuals and organizations with affordable, well-maintained,multipurpose facilities for functions and activities. TheYouth and Senior Services Division provides activities

that promote positive youth development and encourage seniors to be active and independent.

Throughout this year, our staff of 39 full-time employees, approximately 350 part-time staff, instructors,

and numerous volunteers have made significant contributions to enhance the offerings of this Department.

This report showcases the achievements from Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.)

Our summer camps and Water Park reported their achievements for the entire summer season.

The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture finished FY12 in excellent fiscal shape. Revenue was 4.2

percent over projection and we completed the fiscal year 2.6 percent under budget. We recovered 49 percent

of our expenses, above the national average of 34 percent.

Financials FY12

Revenue

$3,271,300 Adopted Projection

$3,398,190 Actual Revenue

3.9% over Projected Revenue

Expenditures

$7,083,518 Adopted

$6,933,896 Actual Spending

2.1% under Budget

Working at Gaithersburg was a great experience that really kick started my interest in the recreation

environment. I saw people who truly enjoyed their job and liked coming to work every day. Even with just two

summers of experience there, I have to believe I am where I am today because of the values (commitment,

responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, patience, and many more) instilled upon me in Gaithersburg.

Austin Wilson, High Point College Recreation Department

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Arts&Cultural Programs

Gaithersburgs Arts and Cultural programs enrich the community by encouraging participation in the arts and

providing a nurturing environment for local literary, visual and performing artists. The Gaithersburg Book

Festival continues to be a highlight of the year, where the award-winning authors join local talent to talk

about writing and share their work.

With galleries, classrooms and a performing arts theater, The Arts Barn hosts exhibits, performances, camps, and

classes. Kentlands Mansion hosted Art After Dark and Music on the Move and continues to be a popular venue for

weddings, milestone events and recitals. The Community Museum preserves and interprets our history and serves

as a unique venue for outdoor events. The Community Chorus encourages all members to sing and perform.

Arts Barn Attendance: 47,160

Arts Barn Programs: 375

Community Museum Attendance: 4,104

Kentlands Mansion Attendance: 25,090

Kentlands Mansion Programs: 137

Volunteers contributed over 5,200 hours valued

at more than $85,000.

Arts and Cultural programs enjoyed patronage

in excess of 70,000 in 2012.

Participants of all ages learn to express themselves usinga variety of media.

The Community Museum underwent significant expansionwith the addition of the Budd Car and hired new staff toexpand programming.

Partnerships with local and professional theater groups bring acomplete season of performance to the Arts Barn.

Each year Gaithersburg hosts the Young Artist AwardCompetition for vocal and instrumental musiciansbetween the ages of 12 and 18. The finalists (pictured)

are invited to perform in concert.

Council Member Jud Ashman is interviewed by the media atthe 3rd Annual Gaithersburg Book Festival, which featuredmore than 100 local and nationally-known authors such asJim Lehrer, Andrew Clements, Baratunde Thurston, and JennyLawson, and 16,000 visitors.


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Parks andFacilities

Gaithersburgs parks provide a place to play soccer or volleyball, a safe, challenging place to climb and

swing, a gathering place for picnics and parties, and a spot for quiet reflection.

25 parks covering 854 acres of active and passive space.lllll

The three pavilions at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm reached 90 percent rental capacity on summer weekends.

The Miniature Golf Course continued to be popular with the community and served as a great place for

childrens birthday parties. The Activity Center saw increased use in FY12, using 53 percent of capacity, the

highest percentage in nine years.

Miniature Golf Attendance: 18,891

Activity Center Number of Rental Bookings: 3,799

Activity Center Attendance: 150,248

Picnic Pavilion Rentals: 192

Comments from our annual survey included:

Greatvalueforthekidsparty!

Theparkwasverycleanandbeautiful.

Allofthestaffwereveryhelpful,greatcustomerservice.

98%ofsurveyrespondentsagreedthatrentingapicnicpavilionmettheirexpectationsand90%would

rent again or recommend the pavilions to friends.

Casey Community Center continued to be a hub for Tot Time, dance, fitness and leisure classes, and rental

opportunities. Overall attendance and revenue increased. The Tot Time program continued to provide a warm,

loving environment where three to five year olds enjoy music, arts and crafts, show and tell, and story time.

Casey Attendance: 87,992

Casey Number of Programs: 3,109

The Gaithersburg Aquatic Center closed in January, 2012 due to structural intergrity issues discovered during

a routine maintenance inspection. The facility was closed immediately for safety reasons. Aquatics continuedto operate at the Quince Orchard Swim and Tennis Club and the Water Park. The City of Rockville partnered

with Gaithersburg to offer reduced fees for lap swimming.

The Water Park opened for the 2012 season with upgrades including a 10 foot spiral slide, bubblers, tumble

buckets, and a tot pool that included a spray ground and a multi-feature play structure. During July 2012, the

second hottest month on record, the Water Park saw record breaking attendance with patrons coming from as

far away as Baltimore.


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The Water Park welcomed several special groups including the Youth Services Division, where they presented

Whale Tales, a water safety session, to summer campers; the Citys Employee Picnic, and an outing that

brought together the Gaithersburg, Rockville and Montgomery Village Senior Centers.

For the 2013 season, additional improvements and programming are being planned.

Water Park Attendance: 129,621

Gaithersburg Water Park Splash Pool

Gaithersburg Water Park Main Pool


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SpecialEvents

Gaithersburg continued the tradition of hosting a variety of special events from our signature celebrations

Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne, the Labor Day Parade and the Winter Lights Festival to our Backyard

Concerts, multicultural performances and markets.

Highlights of FY12 included:

Despite threatening skies, almost 6,000 people attended the 73rd Annual Labor Day Parade in 2011, which

featured a variety of units including fire engines, marching bands, dancers, and clowns.

Celebrate Gaithersburg, held on a beautiful fall day, began with a naturalization ceremony and ended with

the Pat McGee Band. In between, cultural performances, childrens activities and a Taste of Gaithersburg

rounded out the day.

Winter Lights 2011 welcomed 63,000 visitors and raised monies for local charities including The Arc of Montgomery,

Mercy Health Clinic, Hospice Caring, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, Second Chance Wildlife

Center and Friends of Seneca Creek State Park.

The City assumed operation of a second Farmers Market (previously coordinated by Montgomery County

Government) at Fulks Corner on Thursdays, complimenting the popular Saturday Farmers and Artists Market

in Kentlands. The Flea Markets and Baby Bazaar continued to grow.

Gaithersburg Labor Day Parade

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Celebrate Gaithersburg Festival


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Youth Services

The Youth Services Division provides fun, safe out-of-school activities that encourage positive youth development

through recreation, mentoring, leadership, and support.

Gaithersburg Youth Club (GYC)

andStudent Union

The GYC and Student Union provide activities for

middle and high school students during off-school

hours. Programs include exciting trips, wellness

and fitness activities, student dances, along with

educational and service learning opportunities.

After a visit to the Winter Lights Festival, Student

Union member Rogel Hernandez said, This wasthebestfieldtripever!

GYC Youth Club Membership: 753

Student Union Attendance: 2,698

Services Learning Hours: 2,000

The GYC emphasizes healthy choices and serves a daily snack andmeal to anyone under age 18 who requests one.

Student Union members embark on a staff-led hike toCunningham Falls.

The hour of Power Homework Program helps members learn andgives them help with their homework.

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Olde Towne Youth Center (OTYC)

The Youth Center in Olde Towne, the Citys second LEED certified green building, is home to the Gaithersburg

Youth Club, GYC DJs, Camp Innov8, and music and recording studio programming in a state-of-the art facility.

OTYC Attendance: 12,600 visits

Robertson Park Youth Center (RPYC)

The Youth Center at Robertson Park features a climbing wall and computer lab for doing homework. Programs include

sports, cooking classes, service projects, trips, guest speakers, and special events. Highlights include the Spring

BreakPennyCarnival,theCenterStageDramaClubperformance,andCHARACTERCOUNTS!Weekactivities.

RPYC: 11,020 visits

I enjoy sending my two sons to GYC because it gives them a safe and fun place to hang out after school

while Im at work. I never have to worry about where they are, what theyre doing or who they are with.

Safe transportation is provided as well as engaging activities. I especially like how the kids have a voice

in what is offered. GYC Parent

I like GYC because every time I walk in, I get a smile and a friendly welcome

Riana Hicks, GYC Member

I really like GYC because there are a lot of activities to do. The trips that we go on are also really fun. Its fun to

hang out with my friends after school

GYC Member

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The rock wall at Robertson Park Youth Center is bothphysically and mentally challenging.

Members explore science and engineering through the Lego League.


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Participants in ASP play on theequipment at Bohrer Park.

After School Program(ASP)

Each week, the After School Program brings a variety of arts and crafts, gym games, organized outside games

and sports, homework help, and snacks to almost 8,000 visitors (700 participants). Staff visit each of five

elementary schools, one day each week, and provide healthy, challenging activities. Fifth grade classes are

treated to Night Out trips to support their transition to Middle School.

Skate Park

The 12,300 square foot skate park is designed for skateboards, inline skates, and BMX bikes. Skaters and

bikers can hone their skills using a variety of ramps and structures including a mini-half pipe.

Attendance: 2,672

Summer Camps

More than 2,580 participants in Gaithersburgs Summer Camps swim, do arts and crafts, play sports, takefield trips, and have special team-building challenges such as the Battle of the Boats. Specialty camps allowparticipants to direct and star in their own movie, take multiple field trips, hone their skating techniques,explore visual and performing arts, or focus on a specific sport. The Delores Swoyer Scholarship programallowed 112 deserving youth attend camp.

Comments from parent evaluations included:

I really appreciate the staff and volunteers efforts to make this program successful. My daughter is having a lot

of fun and looks forward to Mondays. Parent Evaluation

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Thankyouforofferinganaffordableoptionthatkeepsmychildrenactiveandhappyoverthesummer!

Daughter enjoyed herself - good counselors - long days help accommodate work - great to have the kids

involved in activities - thank you.

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Senior Center

The Gaithersburg Upcounty Senior Center challenges the mind and body and enhances the spirit. The Senior

Center serves those in the greater Gaithersburg area with a variety of classes, trips, special events, activities, and a

lunch program for those 55 years of age and older. In 2012, more than 80 low-income seniors received

needed dental services from Community Clinic, Inc., through a $20,000 grant from Montgomery Countyand the Maryland State Department of Aging.

The 4th Annual Active Aging Expo attracted more than 650 participants, businesses and nonprofit

agencies through partnerships with Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Montgomery County Housing

Opportunities Commission, Asbury Methodist Village, and the Montgomery Village Foundation. Highlights

of the day included a visit from Elvis, fitness demonstrations, preventive screenings, educational talks,

manicures from students at Gaithersburg High School, massage, and a lunch made possible through

generous donations of individuals and businesses.

Senior Center

Attendance: 60,955

Lunches Served: 6,367

Elvis

visits the 4th Annual Active Aging Expo. Seniors from Rockville, Asbury Methodist Village andMontgomery Village joined Gaithersburg Seniors at the

annual picnic, held at the Water Park.

Lucine Terezian participates in the May Day CelebrationA trip to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC.

The Center is a welcoming, warm community of vibrant seniors, from all walks of life, and many different cultures.

Itistrulyameltingpot! Ann Toblin

As I think about what makes the Gaithersburg Senior Center such a special place, its easy to pick the

well-planned trips, outstanding exercise classes, lectures, dances, or other activities . However, it is the great bond

that starts with the staff and filters througout the Center that really makes it special. Daniel Fried, CPA

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Sports andRecreation

GaithersburgSports!offersyouthandadultstheopportunitytoparticipateinawide-varietyofactivitiesincluding

soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, softball, bowling, tennis, t-ball, track and field, cross country, and

basketball. We embrace the philosophy of participation over competition, creating a safe and positive

environment where every participant plays. Coaches are positive role models and the City underwrites theircertification in the National Youth Sports Coaches Association.

More than 300 coaches provided in excess of 22,000 volunteer hours

3,941 participated in youth sports

2,976 participated in adult leagues

GaithersburgSports!isacommunitytreasure.Participantslearnthevalueofsportsmanship,theimportanceof

teamwork and the benefits of exercise and active living. Skilled staff and dedicated volunteers provide an

outstanding and memorable experience.

Marc Berk nominated for Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Coach of the Year

GaithersburgSports!hostedtheHersheyMarylandTrackandFieldChampionshipsandtheMontgomery

County High School Cross-Country Championship.

We sponsored trips to watch the Orioles, Nationals and the University of Marylands Lady Terps defeat

arch-rivals Duke in an epic basketball game.

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Pinbusters bowl every Monday from 3 to 5 p.m.

Noscores,recordsorstandingsarekeptinGaithersburgSports!YouthandTeenLeagues. This allows coaches and players to enjoy the sport and ensures thatFunHappensHere!


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Classes

Gaithersburgs Fitness and Leisure classes continued to provide residents of all ages with opportunities to

exercise their bodies and expand their minds. The Leisure Times, published quarterly, describes the classes

offered, along with information about our events, programs and facilities. In FY12, new classes including

Yogalates, Piloxing, Dynamic Energy Boost, Grooming Your Dog, and Introduction to Blogging were popularadditions to our offerings.

Attendance: 3,745 people participated in 369 classes.

Over the past 24 years, I have shared my passion for dance with thousands of children. Our program inspires

young dancers to set and achieve long term goals and maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness to

create the beauty that is dance.

Solange Mettze, Dance Instructor

Dancefitnessisheretostay!Participantsgainthecardiovascularbenefitsofexerciseandthementally-stimulating, stress reducing benefits of creative dance.

Caroline Ferrante, MAED/CI, City of Gaithersburg Fitness Instructor

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Students in our most-advanced Pointe ballet class perform tomusic from Shostakovichs The Gadfly.

High-energy, Latin-inspired Zumba classes continue to bepopular, offering something for all fitness levels.


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Capital Projects

In FY12, the City of Gaithersburg Capital Improvement Program funded:

Water Park Phase I renovations including completion of design, installation of stainless steel gutter system,

refurbishment of tot and main pool, repainting of slides and the addition of new amenities to both pools. This

$1.4 million project was funded by the City with a $205,000 Program Open Space State of Maryland bond.

Community Museum Rolling Stock improvements involving the exchange of our caboose and Troop Kitchen

Car with another caboose and 81-foot long Budd Car from the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. The

Budd Car will provide additional space for exhibits and events. The project also included site and landscaping

improvements, cosmetic restoration of the locomotive, and replacement of the deck surrounding the

Community Museum. Funding for the $1.1 million project included a $430,000 Federal Transportation

Enhancement Grant, a $150,000 State of Maryland bond and $580,000 from the City.

Senior Center Renovations in the kitchen and dining areas using funds from a Community Development

Block Grant ($150,000)

Bohrer Park playground replacement with a Community Development Block Grant ($90,000)

Bohrer Park Activity Center gymnasium floor refurbishment ($75,000)

Morris Park major renovation of the tennis courts ($69,009) and a path overlay ($20,000)

City-wide tree planting 100 trees in parks ($30,000)

Art in Public Places Fund installations at:

Washingtonian South ($30,000)

Caretakers to the Activity Center at Bohrer Park ($25,000)

Diamond Farms Skate Spot ($2,500)

Archstone in Olde Towne ($2,000)

Kentlands Mansion design of the first level accessible restrooms and ramp ($25,000)

Duvall Park fence replacement ($21,171)

Replacement of park benches ($4,908)

The Budd Car and Community Museum provide a unique venue for an outdoor event.


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Committees

Serving on committees is a wonderful way to become more involved in the greater Gaithersburg community.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture is very grateful to those who provided valuable advice and

support during the past year.

Thankyou!

Cultural Arts AdvisoryCommittee

Jorge Bonilla, Tony Glander , Nanette Horan, Beverle Kowalchick, Marion Perry, J Persensky, Jud Ashman

(Council Liaison)

Art in Public Places Subcommittee

Nora Caplan, Howard Cohen, Judy Gross, Nannette Horan, Sigrid McCutcheon, Laurie Yankowski,

Michael Sesma (Council Liaison)

Gaithersburg Book Festival CommitteeHeidi Bishop, Stephanie Brant, Kathy Crutcher, Brenda Currin, Robin Ferrier, Garine Isassi, Christine

Koubek, Jo Ellen Kuney, Becky Meloan, Bob Murphy, Jennifer Nicholson, Gail Norris, Karen OKeefe,

Arianna Ross, Laura Rowles, Leslie Shapiro, Paul Stankus, Gene Taft, Danny Winborne, Laurie Yankows-

ki, Jud Ashman (Council Liaison & Chair)

Gaithersburg Arts and Monument FundingCorporation

Mary Fehlig, Tony Glander, Toni Lieberman, Sigrid McCutcheon, J Persensky

Multicultural AffairsCommittee

Monica Delgado, Samira Hussein, Washington Nsangou, Charlemagne Orisme, Beatrice E. Weiss, KennethWeiss, Cathy Drzyzgula (Council Liaison)

Senior AdvisoryCommittee

Sylvia Craig, Daniel Fried, Lilia Jacob, Shirley Mitchell, Marcia Robins, Leslie Shapiro, Edgar Solis, Revathi

Vikram, Henry Marraffa (Council Liaison)


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Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report

Department o Parks, Recreation & Culture

506 South Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877

301-258-6350 gaithersburgmd.gov

City Ofcials - 2013

Mayor

Sidney A. Katz

Council Vice President

Michael A. Sesma

Council Members

Jud AshmanCathy C. Drzyzgula

Henry F. Marraffa, Jr.

Ryan Spiegel

City Manager

Tony Tomasello

Director, Deaprtment of Parks, Recreation & CultureMichele R. Potter

parks, recreation and culture annual report

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