RECREATION PROGRAMS Profile The Recreation Programs budget area is comprised of revenues and expenses associated with programs and events offered by the District. The District provides a wide range of recreation opportunities annually, with over 8,000 classes, teams, events and performances, resulting in approximately 63,000 registrants annually in recent years. A number of programs are made available to all constituents, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity or financial means. Programs offered by the District fall within the following Core Program and Service Areas: y Active Seniors y Aquatics y Arts y Environmental y Fitness & Wellness y Special Events y Sports y Youth, Teen & Family The chart on the previous page illustrates the 2026 budget for recreation program revenue by program area: The program area budgets in this section fall within the core program and service areas listed above. The 2026 budgets for Recreation Programs were developed utilizing historical information from 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2025, Recreation Program revenue began to level off, following a 2+ year, post-pandemic climb from 2022-2024, with year-end projections expected to be at or near budget while expenses are tracking slightly higher by 2%. Overall program surplus is projected to be $31,500 more than the 2025 budget.
The 2026 Recreation Programs budget reflects a similar pattern to the 2025 year-end projection with most areas expecting consistent enrollment in program registrations compared to 2025. Some programs will experience fee increases to offset annual 2-3% wage increases and the increases in supply costs. The 2026 budget reflects the following highlights: y Interest in youth athletics continues to thrive as it represents the District’s largest program area. Participation levels are expected to remain static but a shift in program dynamics is expected for some offerings. For example, the Naperville Youth Basketball program has seen a decline in the younger age groups of play while the older age groups are coming in slightly higher. The youth soccer program has seen a shift towards the younger age groups moving into the Premier level of play versus remaining in the non-competitive division. And the gymnastics program continues to have large waitlists for specific age groups and class times, but the overall program has seen a decline in registration. The decline may be attributed to the continuous challenges families have faced, year after year, in attempting to register for one of the coveted spots within the program. In 2026 the promotion of gymnastics will focus on filling those alternative time slots that appear to be less desirable.
y In 2025 girls softball had record growth in the 3rd and 4th grade levels, which is expected to continue into 2026. Flag football jumped 23% in 2025 from the previous year, which is expected to carry into 2026 as well. Slight increases in participation were also seen within the all-day day camp, drama classes, and art classes. While most areas are expected to remain static in 2026, a decline in participation is expected in piano, sewing, and some early childhood classes. Declines within these areas are primarily due to a change in the number of program offerings provided by the District’s Independent Contractors. y The Adult Volleyball League continues to bounce back post-pandemic with a record- breaking registration during the fall 2025 season with 23 teams registered, which is a 28% increase over the previous fall season. Senior seminars also are expected to exceed budget revenues in 2025, and continued interest and growth is expected for 2026. In addition, new foreign language classes were added in 2025. As a result, the overall 2026 budgeted surplus for the Recreation Programs is slightly lower (by 2%) compared to the 2025 budgeted surplus. Recreation program participation and revenue is expected to remain steady through 2026.
2026 BUDGET 55
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