City of Alameda - File #: 2026-6351

• File #: 2026-6351
• Type: Regular Agenda Item
• Body: Recreation and Park Commission
• On agenda: 10/8/2026
• Title: Workshop to Review and Comment on the Recreation and Parks Department 2027 Annual User Fee Schedule. (Recreation and Parks 10051400)

Workshop to Review and comment on the Recreation and Parks Department 2027 Annual User Fee Schedule. (Recreation and Parks 10051400)

To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Parks Commission

From: Justin Long, Recreation and Parks Director

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The City of Alameda (City) Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) annually recommends updates for ARPD fees for implementation on January 1 of the following year.  The proposed fee adjustment is generally a three to five percent (3-5%) increase for various programs.

BACKGROUND

On January 22, 1992, City Council adopted Resolution Number 12191, codifying all fees for services into a Citywide fee schedule (Fee Schedule). This Fee Schedule is updated each year, via resolution, to reflect changes in the cost of providing services as well as in the Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco Bay Area.

The proposed Recreation and Park User Fees (Exhibit 1) are reviewed annually by the City's Recreation and Parks Commission with its recommendation brought forward to City Council for final approval. ARPD staff reviewed the current fees and recommended adjustments based on its expenses in combination with fee comparisons with other local jurisdictions including San Leandro, Emeryville, Piedmont, Fremont, Union City, and San Ramon, and comparisons for large rental venues in Alameda.

The Fee Schedule generally is updated annually as part of the City budget process, which begins July 1. Due to the timing of summer recreation programs, the ARPD User Fee Schedule is adopted earlier, with an implementation date of January 1. However, the school-year fees are noted separately with a start date in August to coincide with the start of the school year.

DISCUSSION

Program fees are structured to recover both direct costs, including staff time, facility maintenance, and utilities, as well as indirect costs such as administrative support and supplies. The fee structure is designed to balance cost recovery with the overall community benefit. Programs that serve broad community or at-risk populations such as the free mobile recreation program, community events, and Mastick Senior Center activities are assigned lower cost recovery rates. Programs that provide a more specific or individual benefit such as facility rentals, summer camps, and adult sports leagues are assigned higher cost recovery rates. This tiered framework supports fiscal sustainability while ensuring equitable access to programs and services.

As described below, fees were added or adjusted for the proposed 2027 Recreation and Park User Fee Schedule to address rising staff and supply costs and to create opportunities for new programming and rentals. The proposed fee schedule includes 3% increases for some existing programs.

Market and cost comparisons relative to programs in other cities and in Alameda were also considered (Exhibit 2).

The following fees are proposed for 2027. Any increased fees are noted in bold under the 2027 Fee column. Language changes that have no fee increase are also noted in bold.

Proposed 2027 User Fee Schedule
	2027	2026
ATHLETIC FIELD RENTAL
Youth Organization (75% Resident)	$12 / hour	$11 / hour
Youth Organization (less than 75% Resident)	$35 / hour	$35 / hour
Private Resident	$45 / hour	$45 / hour
Private Non-Resident	$68 / hour	$68 / hour
Synthetic Turf Field - Youth Organization (75% Resident)	$42 / hour	$42 / hour
Synthetic Turf Field - Youth Organization (less than 75% Resident)	$64 / hour	$64 / hour
Synthetic Turf Field - Residents	$72 / hour	$72 / hour
Synthetic Turf Field - Non-Residents	$88 / hour	$88 / hour
Field Light Use	$40 / hour + hourly fee	$40 / hour + hourly fee
Camp/Tournament Turf Field - Alameda Non-Profit	$32 / hour	$32 / hour
Camp/Tournament  Turf Field - Non-Alameda Non-Profit	$42 / hour	$42 / hour
Camp/Tournament Synthetic Turf Field - Alameda Non-Profit	$53 / hour	$53 / hour
Camp/Tournament Synthetic Turf Field - Non-Alameda Non-Profit	$69 / hour	$69 / hour
Field Prep - Lining for Non-Profits	$130 / game	$130 / game
Field Prep - Lining for Private	$195 / game	$195 / game
Field Clean-Up & Lock Up Fee (Goals & Gates)	$75 per incident + hourly  fee	$75 per incident + hourly  fee
Field Prep (performed by contractor)	based on actual cost	based on actual cost
ALAMEDA POINT GYM
Gym Tournament Security Deposit - Refundable	$500 - $1,000 (depends on use)	$500 - $1,000 (depends on use)
Special Event Fee	$250 + hourly fee	$250 + hourly fee
Overtime Charge	$250 / hour	$250 / hour
Government Use	$25 / hour	$25 / hour
Youth Organization (75% Resident) / Alameda Schools
Practice	$39 / hour / court	$39 / hour / court
League Games	$47 / hour / court	$47 / hour / court
Tournaments	$74 / hour / court	$74 / hour / court
Resident	$63 / hour / court	$63 / hour / court
Non-Resident Non-Profits	$68 / hour / court	$63 / hour / court
Non-Resident	$74 / hour / court	$74 / hour / court
Gym Rooms A and B (500 square feet)	$35 / hour	$35 / hour
Gym Room C (700 square feet)	$50 / hour	$50 / hour
Gym Clean-Up Fee	$75 per incident + hourly fee	$75 per incident + hourly fee
BOCCE BALL COURTS (3-Hour Minimum) - except weekdays
Resident	$15 / hour	$15 / hour
Non-Resident	$18 / hour	$18 / hour
Bocce Ball Party (ages 16 +)	$35 / hour	$35 / hour
COURT FACILITIES - Tennis, Pickleball, Outdoor Basketball
Per Court Rental
Resident	$13 / hour	$13 / hour
Non-Resident	$18 / hour	$18 / hour
Youth Organization (75% Resident) / Alameda Schools / Mastick	$10 / hour	$10 / hour
Camp / Private Instruction	$25 / hour	$25 / hour
Tournament Fee	$200 / day + hourly fee	$200 / day + hourly fee
City-Coordinated Tournaments	fee determined based on  recovering costs	fee determined based on recovering costs
POOL RENTAL (3-Hour Minimum)
Government Use	$26 / hour + lifeguard cost	$26 / hour + lifeguard cost
Resident	$79 / hour + lifeguard cost	$79 / hour + lifeguard cost
Non-Resident	$110 / hour + lifeguard cost	$110 / hour + lifeguard cost
Resident Youth Teams (75% Alameda Participants)	$10 / hour / lane	$9.50 / hour / lane
Resident Adult Teams (75% Alameda Participants)	$13 / hour / lane	$12.50 / hour / lane
Non-Resident Youth Teams	$30 / hour / lane	$25 / hour / lane
Non-Resident Adult Teams	$35 / hour / lane	$30 / hour / lane
Lifeguard Fee - Resident	$25 / hour / per lifeguard	$25 / hour / per lifeguard
Lifeguard Fee - Non-Resident	$30 / hour / per lifeguard	$30 / hour / per lifeguard
City Swim Championships	fee determined based on recovering costs + admin costs	fee determined based on recovering costs + admin costs
PARK & PICNIC RENTAL
Still Photography Photo Shoot	$300 / day + hourly  facility rental	$300 / day + hourly  facility rental
Live Film Shoot (In Addition to Other Use Fees) - Educational	$260 / day + hourly  facility rental	$260 / day + hourly  facility rental
Live Film Shoot (In Addition to Other Use Fees) - Commercial	$1,000 half day / $1,500  full day + rental	$1,000 half day / $1,500  full day + rental
Outside Vendors (ex: inflatable jumpers, Legos, games)	$30 per day / vendor	$30 per day / vendor
Park Open Space Use Fee	$43 / hour	$43 / hour
Park Outdoor Stage/Gazebo	$35 / hour	$35 / hour
Outside Contractor Park Use (range varies due to frequency)	$250 - $400 yearly + liability insurance	$250 - $400 yearly + liability insurance
Electricity Use, Inflatables, etc	$25 / day	$25 / day
End of School Year Picnic Rental / Alameda Schools Only	$30 / day / classroom	$30 / day / classroom
Large Group (100+)  Event Cleaning Fee	$55 R / $75 NR / hour	$55 R / $75 NR / hour
Special Event Open Space Usage Fee	$300 / hour (additional charges may apply)	$300 / hour (additional charges may apply)
Picnic Areas Resident & Alameda Non-Profit (3-Hour Minimum)
Small Area (1 - 2 tables)	$37 / hour	$37 / hour
Medium Area (3 - 4 tables)	$58 / hour	$58 / hour
Large Area (5+ tables)	$89 / hour	$89 / hour
Picnic Areas Non-Resident & Non-Alameda Non-Profit  (3-Hour  Minimum)
Small Area (1 - 2 tables)	$61 / hour	$61 / hour
Medium Area (3 - 4 tables)	$94 / hour	$94 / hour
Large Area (5+ tables)	$149 / hour	$149 / hour
FACILITY RENTAL (3-Hour Minimum)
Non-Active Military Personnel Discount - Resident	10% discount	10% discount
Active Military Personnel Discount - Resident	10% discount	10% discount
Public Boat Launch Facility Event Permit
Non-Profit Organizations	$200 / day	$200 / day
Additional Fees for Recreation Centers and Veteran's Building
Refundable Cleaning and Security Deposit	$300 / permit	$300 / permit
Refundable Cleaning and Security Deposit with Alcohol / Outside Vendors / Commercial	$500 / permit	$500 / permit
Alcohol Permit	at cost per outside insurance provider	at cost per outside insurance provider
Commercial Fundraising	$130 / hour	$130 / hour
Alameda Business / HOA Meeting Rate	$50 / hour	$50 / hour
Non-Alameda Business / HOA Meeting Rate	$65 / hour	$65 / hour
Veteran's Building
Resident - Room 390	$75 / hour	$75 / hour
Resident - Main Room	$95 / hour	$95 / hour
Resident - Room 120	$95 / hour	$95 / hour
Non-Resident - Room 390	$100 / hour	$100 / hour
Non-Resident - Main Room	$120 / hour	$120 / hour
Non-Resident - Room 120	$120 / hour	$120 / hour
Bayport, Leydecker, Krusi and Washington Park Centers
Alameda Non-Profit	$75 / hour	$75 / hour
Resident	$100 / hour	$100 / hour
Non Resident	$132 / hour	$132 / hour
Lincoln Park (Harrison) Recreation Center
Alameda Non-Profit	$99 / hour	$99 / hour
Resident	$132 / hour	$132 / hour
Non-Resident	$182 / hour	$182 / hour
Concession Stand Use
Non-Profit	$15 / hour	$15 / hour
Resident	$20 / hour	$20 / hour
Non-Resident	$30 / hour	$30 / hour
O'CLUB RENTAL (4-Hour Minimum)
Actual Costs that exceed security deposit will be charged directly	Actual cost	Actual cost
Security Deposit - Refundable - without Alcohol Permit	$750 without alcohol  permit	$750 without alcohol  permit
Security Deposit - Refundable - with Alcohol Permit	$1,500 with alcohol permit	$1,500 with alcohol  permit
Event Security Staff	at cost per outside  provider	at cost per outside  provider
O'Club Cancellation Fee	$100 per rental	$100 per rental
Alcohol Permit	at cost per outside insurance provider	at cost per outside insurance provider
Government Use	$25 / hour	$25 / hour
Kitchen Use Fee	included in fee for event set up /cleaning	included in fee for event set up /cleaning
Crab Feed Additional Cleaning Fee	$275 / event	$275 / event
Holiday Event Rental	regular rate + 15%	regular rate + 15%
Saturday Event Rental	regular rate + 15%	regular rate + 15%
Garden Set Up	$250 / event + actual cost for chair rental	$150 / event + actual cost for chair rental
Kitchen Use, Event Set Up & Clean Up including Table/Chair Rental	$425 / event	$425 / event
Alameda Non-Profit Organizations and Schools
Main Room	$178 / hour	$155 / hour
Trident Room	$155/ hour	$135 / hour
Terrace Room	$127/ hour	$110 / hour
Squadron Room	$86 / hour	$75 / hour
Alameda Resident
Main Room	$224 / hour	$195 / hour
Trident Room	$190 / hour	$165 / hour
Terrace Room	$155 / hour	$135 / hour
Squadron Room	$98 / hour	$85 / hour
Non-Resident and Non-Alameda Non-Profits
Main Room	$304 / hour	$264 / hour
Trident Room	$259 / hour	$225 / hour
Terrace Room	$216 / hour	$188 / hour
Squadron Room	$132 / hour	$115 / hour
AQUATICS
Group Swim Lessons, all ages, 30 minutes
Resident	$13 / lesson	$13 / lesson
Non-Resident	$16 /  lesson	$15 / lesson
Semi-Private Swim Lessons, ages 3-15, 30 minutes
Resident	$32 / lesson	$32 / lesson
Non-Resident	$39 / lesson	$39 / lesson
Private Swim Lessons, ages 3-15, 30 minutes
Resident	$50 / lesson	$50 / lesson
Non-Resident	$55 / lesson	$55 / lesson
Public Swim/Lap Swim/Water Walking
Youth Resident	$3 / visit	$3 / visit
Youth Non-Resident	$5 / visit	$4 / visit
Adult Resident (ages 18 - 49)	$5 / visit	$5 / visit
Adult Non-Resident (ages 18- 49)	$7 / visit	$6 / visit
Senior (50+) Resident	$3 / visit	$3 / visit
Senior (50+) Non-Resident	$5 / visit	$4 / visit
Aqua Fitness Classes
Resident	$6 / visit	$6 / visit
Non-Resident	$8 / visit	$7 / visit
Senior( 50+) Resident	$5 / visit	$5 / visit
Senior (50+) Non-Resident	$7 / visit	$6 / visit
Swim Pass	10% discount	10% discount
Youth Specialty Aquatic Classes / Camp	based on instructor and/or contract fee	based on instructor and/or contract fee
Youth Specialty Aquatic Classes / Camp Materials	based on actual cost of materials	based on actual cost of materials
Flex Private Swim Lessons (EHS only) Ages 3 - adult, 30 minutes	$60/ Resident  $65 Non-Resident
Aquatic Pool Parties ( EHS only )	Flat Fee- $275R/ $300NR - 2 hours/25 people/only during public swim hours + private area, Additional people > 25 pay individual fee/ person max 50 total
YOUTH SPORTS
Sports Leagues, Camps, and Special Programs	based on instructor and/or contractor fee	based on instructor and/or contract fee
ADULT SPORTS
Leagues with 1 Official
Resident Team	$78 / game	$78 / game
Non-Resident Team	$90 / game	$90 / game
Leagues with 2 Officials
Resident Team	$88 / game	$88 / game
Non-Resident Team	$100 / game	$100 / game
Adult Sports Tournaments	actual costs + 20%	actual costs + 20%
Leagues with 3 Officials
Resident Team	$98 / game	$98 / game
Non-Resident Team	$111 / game	$111 / game
Adult Sports Tournaments	actual costs + 20%	actual costs + 20%
Open Gym
Resident	$10 / session	$10 / session
Gym Pass Discount	10% off	10% off
TENNIS LESSONS
Group Lessons
Resident	$25 / lesson / hour	$25 / lesson / hour
Non-Resident	$30 / lesson / hour	$30 / lesson / hour
Private Lessons
Resident	$53 / lesson / hour	$53 / lesson / hour
Non-Resident	$64 / lesson / hour	$64 / lesson / hour
Semi-Private Lessons (2 people)
Resident	$68 / lesson / hour	$68 / lesson / hour
Non-Resident	$78 / lesson / hour	$78 / lesson / hour
CLASSES
Adult and Youth Classes and Camps	Varies per class	25%-40% of total instructor fee
Administrative Fee - Mastick Senior Center		$3 or 3% whichever is greater
Administrative Fee		3%-5% of class cost
Materials Fee		based on actual cost
MASTICK SENIOR CENTER
Actual Costs that exceed security deposit will be charged directly	Actual cost	Actual cost
Bingo Program
Bingo Game Prices		$0.25 - $8
Snack Bar		$1 - $10
Classes
Drop-In Classes	Varies per class	fee determined based on recovering costs
Term Classes	Varies per class	25% of total instructor fee
Facility Rental - Social Hall (4-Hour Minimum)
Resident	$180 / hour	$180 / hour
Non-Resident	$205 / hour	$205 / hour
Non-Profit	$105 / hour	$105 / hour
Vertical Screen	$45 / event	$45 / event
Large TV Use	$50 / event	$50 / event
Commercial Kitchen Use - Resident		$75 / hour
Commercial Kitchen Use - Non-Resident		$100 / hour
Security Deposit (refundable)	$500	$500
Facility Rental - Classroom (2-Hour Minimum)
Alameda Non-Profit Organization	$60 / hour	$60 / hour
Non-Alameda Non-Profit Organization	$70 / hour	$70 / hour
Resident - Room A	$75 / hour	$75 / hour
Resident - Dining Room 1	$95 / hour	$95 / hour
Resident - Dining Room 2	$95 / hour	$95 / hour
Resident - Room D	$95 / hour	$95 / hour
Non-Resident - Room A	$90 / hour	$90 / hour
Non-Resident - Dining Room 1	$114 / hour	$114 / hour
Non-Resident - Dining Room 2	$114 / hour	$114 / hour
Non-Resident - Room D	$114 / hour	$114 / hour
Security Deposit (Refundable) Room A, D, Dining Room 1 or 2	$250	$250
Custodial Fees	$25 / event or $50 / event over 200 guests	$25 / event or $50 / event over 200 guests
Additional Fees
Vendor Table Rental - Non-Profit	varies by item	varies by item
Vendor Table Rental - Private	varies by item	varies by item
Thrift Shop	varies by item	varies by item
Travel Program	varies by trip	varies by trip
Special Events	fee determined based on recovering costs	fee determined based on recovering costs
Art Program Sales		15% of fee
Fundraiser Sales	varies by item	varies by item
Computer Lab Printing		$.15 - $.85 / page
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Tiny Tots*
Program Fees (School Year & Summer)	$9.75 / hour R;  $11.25 / hour NR	$9.50 / hour R, $11 hour  NR
TK Fee for Non-School Day Camp	$7.34 / hour R; $8.65 / hour NR	$7.13 / hour R, $8.40 /  hour NR
Wee Play	$6 / day or $60 Drop-In Card for 12 visits	$6 / day or $60 Drop-In Card for 12 visits
RAP - Recreation Afterschool Program*	$5.57 / hour; $6.68 / hour NR	$5.41 / hour R, $6.49 /  hour NR
Additional Day	$25 / day	$25 / day
Early Dismissal	$28 - $187	$27 - $182
School-year programs are marked with an asterisk (*) and take effect at the start of the new school year in August
WOW - World of Wonder Summer Camp
5 Days	$303 R / $364 NR	$294 R / $353 NR
4 Days	$242 R / $275 NR	$235 R / $267 NR
WOW Extended Care	$88 - $198 R / $119  - $241 NR	$85 - $192 R / $115 -  $234 NR
Day Camp
Hidden Cove - 5 Days	$ 266 R  / $319 NR	$258 R / $309 NR
Hidden Cove - 4 Days	$213  R /  $259 NR	$206 R / $251 NR
Trails End & Trailblazers - 5 Days	$361 R / $435 NR	$350 R / $422 NR
Teen/Tween Adventure Camp
Resident	$282 -  $473 / week	$273 - $459 / week
Non-Resident	$339 - $571 / week	$329 - $554 / week
Teen Programs
Club Underground Transportation	$2 / youth / one-way trip	$2 / youth / one-way trip
Operation Green Sweep	$50 / session	$50 / session
Leader in Training (half day)	$30 / week R, $40 /  week NR	$30 / week R, $40 /  week NR
Leader In Training (full day)	$60 / week R, $70 / week NR	$60 / week R, $70 / week NR
Alameda Youth Committee	$50 / year R, $60 / year NR	$50 / year R, $60 / year NR
Additional Programs/Fees
Per Hour Charge for Other Youth Programs	$6.13 R / $7.13 NR	$5.95 R / $6.92 NR
In-House Classes for All Ages	$15 - $325 (depending on class/age)
Non-Refundable RAP and Tiny Tot Registration Deposit	$50	$50
Non-School Extended Care	$20 / day R, $30 / day  NR	$20 / day R, $30 / day  NR
Field Trips & Program Activities	based on activity costs	based on activity costs
Special Events: Parties, Movies, Theme Days, etc.	based on activity costs	based on activity costs
Santa's Visit - Virtual and In-Person	$30 - $50 / visit	$30 - $50 / visit
Breakfast with Santa
Resident	$35 adult / $15 child	$35 adult / $15 child
Non-Resident	$40 adult / $20 child	$40 adult / $20 child
Late Pick-Up Charges	$1 / minute for all youth classes per child	$1 / minute for all youth classes per child
Transportation	$10 - $30 based on location/stops	$10 - $30 based on location/stops
Program Transportation Fee	fee determined based on cost from vendor	fee determined based on cost from vendor
Scholarships (Non-Contract Programs)	fees reduced by 25% - 75% based on need	fees reduced by 25% - 75% based on need
Program Marketing Discounts
Early Bird	10% off of activity cost	10% off of activity cost
Bring a Friend	$15 - $25 voucher issued, based on total fee	$15 - $25 voucher issued, based on total fee
ADMINISTRATION FEES
City-Approved Holiday and Associated Weekend Rental Fee		regular rate + 15%
Supply Materials Fees	based on actual cost of materials	based on supply costs
Receipt Printing	$5 each	$5 each
Late/Transfer/Cancellation Fee	$25 + all non-refundable  costs	$20 + all non-refundable  costs
Admin Fee for Revising Facility Permits	$25	$25
Portable Toilet Fee	at cost from vendor + admin fee	at cost from vendor + admin fee
Transaction/Convenience Fee	up to 5% + $0.49 per transaction based on form of payment
Split Payment Fee	$30 per transaction	$30 per transaction
Storage Units in Parks (must be tied to an allocation)
Knack Box	$50 / year	$50 / year
Shed	$100 / year	$100 / year
20 ft Shipping Container	$150 / year	$150 / year
Community Events
Booth Fee	$50 for non-profit / $200  for profit	$50 for non-profit / $200  for profit
Food Booth/Truck Fee	$350	$350
Event Admission	$5 - $35 per person	$5 - $35 per person
Equipment Rental	actual cost	actual cost
Actual costs that exceed security deposit will be charged directly	actual cost	Actual cost
Lost or Damaged Material at Department Cost, Department to Pick Up, No Delivery Included	actual cost + hourly rate	actual cost + hourly rate
Battery Rental	$250 / event (City-issued permit required)	$250 / event (City-issued permit required)
Wheelchair Lift	$1,000 / event (City-issued permit required)	$1,000 / event (City-issued permit required)
Cord Covers	$10/4ft section (City-issued permit required)
Security Deposit for Equipment (refundable)	$500	$500
R = Alameda Resident
NR = Non-Alameda Resident
Changes are in bold

ALTERNATIVES

•                     Approve the 2027 ARPD User Fee Schedule as presented.

•                     Provide direction to change any of the proposed fees.  If fees are not increased then the ARPD budget will require additional funding from the General Fund to maintain a balanced budget as the anticipated revenues from this proposed User Fee Schedule were included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Budget.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The Fee Schedule changes are intended to offset expenses as described above based on the approved FY 2026-27 Budget. If the proposed ARPD User Fee Schedule is not approved for calendar year 2027, then additional General Fund support of approximately $10,000 to $12,000 would be required in FY 2026-27 to cover program costs.

MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE

This action is consistent with the Alameda Municipal Code.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

This action is not a project and no additional environmental review is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it involves governmental fiscal activities (revising recreation and park fees), which does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378 (b)(4).

CLIMATE IMPACT

There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.

RECOMMENDATION

Hold a public hearing to consider adoption of resolution amending Master Fee Resolution No. 12191 to add and Revise Recreation and Park Fees for calendar year 2027. 

Respectfully submitted,

Justin Long, Recreation and Parks Director

Financial Impact section reviewed,

Ross McCarthy, Finance Director

Exhibits: 

1.                     Proposed 2027 Recreation and Parks User Fee Schedule with 2026 Fee Comparison

2.                     Recreation and Parks 2027 Fee Comparison Study