Parks and Recreation Performance

In general, the number of golf rounds played has the largest impact on the golf course's ability to meet its cost recovery goal each year. Weather and the course's appearance are the most significant determining factors in the number of rounds played.

The golf course aims to cover 83% of its operating costs with revenue generated from golf course activities. Though green fees and cart fees are the largest source of revenues, the golf course also generates revenue from selling pro shop merchandise, as well as food and beverage items. Staff members review sales data to ensure the golf course offers items for sale that are in alignment with customer preferences.

The Parks Division aims to complete at least 90% of non-emergency work orders within two weeks. In FY 2021, the Parks Division experienced an unprecedented, high personnel vacancy rate - at one point reaching 43%. As a result, Parks maintenance staff were not able to complete the typical number of work orders. Though the number of completed work orders was significantly reduced, staff completed each work order in an exceptionally timely manner - meeting the annual goal of 90% completed within two weeks.

High quality parks and recreational opportunities are vital to a healthy and thriving community. In fact, a June 2019 Preventative Medicine Reports article concluded that higher per capita spending on parks and recreation is associated with lower mortality rates. By tracking maintenance spending per capita, the Parks Division can ensure maintenance keeps pace with population growth and the needs of aging park infrastructure.

The Adopt-a-Park Program enables groups and individuals to take an active part in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of city parks. This special volunteer opportunity is a way for residents to feel empowered and engaged within their community.

The goal of the Wellness Program is to encourage City of Temple employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity. An active and healthy workforce is essential to a high-performing organization. This data is used to identify trends in participation and tweak programs in order to increase employee participation.

The Recreation Division tracks the Summit Recreation Center cost recovery rate on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis to determine health and wellness trends within the community and region. Memberships, fitness and instructional classes, facility rentals, and tennis fees are major sources of revenue—all of which significantly dropped in FY 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition to the pandemic, the growth in fitness facility options in Temple over the last few years could impact memberships and revenue at the Summit Recreation Center.

At the end of every recreation program or special event, participants are given a survey and asked to provide feedback on their experience and satisfaction with the event. The goal of the Recreation Division is to have all at least 80% of survey respondents rate their satisfaction level with the program or event as either "Very Satisfied" or "Satisfied." In FY 2022 participants overall satisfaction exceeded the 80% goal, with 84% of respondents rating their overall satisfaction level as either "Very Satisfied" or "Satisfied."

The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum staff track the number of visitors in order to assess the success of the museum's efforts in programming, exhibits, and overall ability to reach the public. Visitors substantially dropped in FY 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; however, FY 2022 saw the largest number of museum visitors in the last 10 years.

Museum memberships are a source of revenue for the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. The museum strives to feature creative exhibits and programming to attract residents to purchase memberships for member only events, as well as member discounts for events and merchandise. Membership growth in FY 2019 and FY 2020 occurred mostly due to the efforts of the Museum Development Assistant.

The Mayborn Convention Center generates revenue from renting out space and equipment, alcohol sales, food and beverage services, and catering services. The number of bookings is an indication of revenue projections; however, an increase in the number of bookings does not always result in increased revenues. Convention center services can be purchased a-la-cart; therefore, the convention center generates more revenue when customers select as many optional services as possible.