Dubuque Leisure Services Staff Reviewing Options for Summer

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The City of Dubuque Leisure Services Department is currently in the process of reviewing options for summer programs and services.
 
“This summer is going to look different for all of us, which is very difficult for parks and recreation professionals because summer is when we have the greatest connection with our fellow community members,” said Recreation Division Manager Dan Kroger. “Staff are working tirelessly to try and solve a puzzle with ever changing shapes.”
 
“While there are many unknowns, it is certain that the City will not be able to offer as many programs/services as usual,” said Kroger. To guide decision-making and to ensure that the community feels comfortable participating in the programs and services that are offered, staff developed a short community survey. Nearly 800 community members responded and provided input on their feelings about summer programs and services, and if and when they would consider recreational activities outside of their immediate family or household members. Leisure Services staff are using the survey results and other engagement with residents to help make their decisions.
 
All programs and services are being evaluated with the safety of both staff and participants as the top priority. Other considerations include resource prioritization, equity, staffing levels, sanitation practices, and avoiding the creation of an additional financial burden on taxpayers. Programs and services offered will be adjusted and may feature smaller class sizes, be moved outdoors, use revised procedures and/or instructional methods, or be converted to virtual opportunities.
 
The City’s parks and recreation staff is also reviewing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association) and is in communication with other parks and recreation departments in other Iowa communities.
 
Staff are currently reviewing each facility and program area based on their potential start dates, staffing needs, and new procedures in order to finalize a summer activities brochure hoped to be made available online in mid-May. A decision has not yet been made on whether a full brochure or a variation will be mailed to households. Recreation programming for this summer is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of June 15.
 
Applications are still being accepted for seasonal summer positions at www.cityofdubuque.org/jobs. 
 
For more information, contact Recreation Division Manager Dan Kroger at 563.589.4310 or dkroger@cityofdubuque.org.

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