Why This Measure Matters

While not all park acres cost the same to maintain, this measure gives us a general idea of the expenses in relation to park acreage.

What’s the Story?

• Park maintenance responsibilities include park structures including public art, playgrounds, turf, landscaping, street trees, bathrooms, sport fields, natural areas, trails/pathways, safety, parking lots, utilities, solid waste management, vandalism, education, and volunteer management.
• This measure is the total yearly expenditures for maintenance and stewardship divided by the total park acreage. The goal is to stay within budget and increase cost per acre with development and rising costs of operations.
• Many factors influence the outcome such as development of parks, new programs or services and acquisition.
• The target each year will likely see a minimum increase of 2% to account for personnel, benefits, utilities, services and supply cost increases.
• 2025 saw a decrease in cost per acre reflecting a spending freeze imposed because of a City-wide budget shortfall. 

Target

2% increase annually

Reporting frequency