Ephrata parks director outlines growth, upgrades and vision

EPHRATA — Despite a summer marked by smoke, wind and cooler temperatures, the City of Ephrata's Parks and Recreation Department posted record participation numbers in 2026 and is looking ahead to major improvements at Patrick Park, Splash Zone and a future neighborhood park in the Peachtree development.

Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson presented the department's annual report to the Ephrata City Council during a budget workshop Tuesday, highlighting accomplishments from 2026 and outlining goals for future projects.

Johnson said Splash Zone faced challenges this summer due to weather conditions. The aquatic facility sold 219 family season passes, down slightly from the record 238 sold in 2025. General admission revenue also fell short of projections, bringing in about $51,000 compared to a budgeted $65,000.

Johnson attributed the decline largely to weather conditions that limited opportunities for residents to use the pool.

"It's not as fun to go to the pool when it's windy, cold or smoky," Johnson said.

The facility experienced smoke, haze or poor air quality on about 14% of operating days, while roughly 20% of operating days saw winds exceeding 20 mph. Splash Zone also endured eight full-day smoke-related closures, including a seven-day stretch from late July into early August, Johnson said.

Even with the weather challenges, some areas exceeded expectations. Swim lesson revenue matched projections, while pool rentals generated about $14,000, surpassing the $8,500 budgeted.

Overall, Splash Zone generated about $170,000 in revenue against approximately $378,000 in expenses, resulting in a subsidy rate of 55%. Johnson said public pools generally require subsidies, and said the department aims to keep that figure closer to 50%.

The facility's concession stand also remained profitable, generating nearly $9,500 in net revenue. Johnson said staff hope to expand concession operations beyond the summer season by serving visitors attending tournaments and events at the sports complex.

While attendance at the pool was impacted by weather, participation in recreation programs reached record levels.

Through Sept. 7, the department recorded 1,549 program registrations and more than $65,000 in revenue, both department records. Johnson said participation has continued to increase since the reporting date as registration remained open for several fall programs.

The registration numbers continue to climb as the department expands offerings beyond traditional youth sports, Johnson said. 

"We're trying more and more to introduce arts and crafts and food classes because we have a really good space with the ERC, so we need to use it more and more for that stuff," Johnson said.

Recent additions included a cookie decorating class alongside the department's sports, fitness and youth programming.

The department also maintained strong attendance at community events, including movies and concerts in the park, youth sports leagues, fitness activities and special events such as the Daddy Daughter Dance.

Johnson highlighted the completion of Phase 1 of the Ephrata Sports Complex project, which included parking, site improvements and new pickleball courts.

The city is now pursuing funding for Phase 2, which would add a covered facility featuring lighting, speakers and flexible court space. Johnson said Ephrata is currently ranked second in preliminary Recreation and Conservation Office grant funding considerations. 

One of the department's largest proposed projects is a major renovation of Patrick Park.

Johnson said the city has secured a $100,000 donation from the Fair For Life Foundation through Trout Lake Farm and may receive approximately $90,000 worth of matching playground equipment through GameTime.

"We have a really good opportunity to completely take out everything in terms of the amenities and the playground equipment that's up there right now and put in all new stuff," Johnson said.

The improvements would replace aging playground structures, install new swings and climbing features and make the park fully ADA accessible through new sidewalks and connecting pathways.

Council members also discussed the possibility of adding lighting improvements to increase visibility and safety within the park.

Johnson is also proposing a series of upgrades at Splash Zone. Near-term improvements include replacing aging lily pad play features, repainting and resurfacing the large red waterslide, enhancing water play elements and making aesthetic improvements around the facility.

Johnson said continued investment is necessary to keep the city's aquatic facility competitive with those in neighboring communities.

"I think it's good use of taxpayer dollars to make sure that we, as a city, are investing in our facilities versus continuing to charge more and more money year after year," he said.

Longer term, Johnson hopes to pursue grants and tourism funding to construct a new waterslide that could become an attraction for the pool, potentially as early as 2028 or 2029.

The department is also planning for a future park in the Peachtree neighborhood development. Johnson said the city hopes to be proactive in establishing irrigation and infrastructure if construction begins next year, avoiding delays experienced with park development in previous neighborhoods.

Johnson outlined several long-term priorities for the department. Those include adopting a park impact fee structure to help fund future park construction, continuing a systematic schedule of park improvements, modernizing Splash Zone and developing the sports complex into a regional event destination capable of attracting tournaments and visitors from outside the community.

The department also recently formed a Beezley Hill planning committee that will begin gathering public input on future improvements and opportunities at the popular recreation area.

Johnson reported mixed results on the department's goals for 2026.

The department fell short of goals to increase family pass sales and Splash Zone revenue by 10%, but exceeded objectives related to recreation programming and participation. Johnson said staff offered 34 youth programs, 12 adult programs and eight senior programs during the year. Program registrations also surpassed the department's entire 2025 total.

"We actually beat out our full 2025 registrations just with registrations through August," Johnson said.

Although the department did not reach its goals for increased family pass sales or Splash Zone revenue, Johnson said circumstances beyond the department's control played a significant role.

"Hopefully next year Mother Nature helps me out, and we have some new improvements so that more and more people will come into the pool and spend more money," he said.

    Concept rendering shows a possible future vision for Patrick Park, including modern playground equipment, new swings, climbing features and ADA-accessible pathways. Ephrata Parks and Recreation Director Josh Johnson is seeking funding to replace aging amenities and improve accessibility throughout the park.