HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 - May 1, 2026 - Parks and Recreation Department Residency, Fees, and Registration Information
1
PARKS & RECREATION
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3403 • FAX: (408) 777-3366
CUPERTINO.GOV
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
Date: April 30, 2026
To: City Council
From: Rachelle Sander, Director of Parks & Recreation
Re: Parks and Recreation Department residency, fees, and registration information
Executive Summary
This informational memorandum responds to the December 1, 2025, City Council request for
information on Parks and Recreation Department (Department) fees, particularly resident vs.
non-resident pricing, registration, and the management of sports courts in public parks. It
summarizes the City’s cost recovery policy, current fee practices, industry best practices and
market conditions.
This memo also outlines a trial that staff plans to implement related to hours of operation for
the sports court in Memorial Park, as well as the membership structures at the Sports Center
and Senior Center, along with planned phased fee adjustments and improved pricing
consistency starting in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Background
Cupertino has historically prioritized free, first-come, first-served access to public parks and
sports courts, including pickleball. A review of practices across Santa Clara County shows most
municipalities share this approach. Staff recommend s that the City continues prioritizing free
public access to sports courts. At the same time, to alleviate noise and other concerns related to
court use, staff is also recommending a trial that includes time reduction, no play one day a
week, and a request for quiet pickleball equipment at all times.
Currently, residents receive priority registration and reduced fees across programs,
memberships, and rentals, while non-residents typically pay a 20% fee differential. Staff plans
to increase the non-resident fee differential to 25% effective July 1, 2026, to improve cost
recovery while remaining competitive in the market, and bring Cupertino rates more in line
with the neighboring jurisdictions.
2
Cupertino Cost Recovery Policy
The User Fee Cost Recovery Policy, adopted by resolution on May 14, 2024, and its Cost of
Services Study Report (Attachment A) outline cost recovery levels, market-based fees, and the
unique nature of parks and recreation services, noting that typical cost recovery rates in this
sector range from 20% to 50%. The Department currently recovers approximately 54% of its
direct costs and about 30% of total costs when indirect expenses are included.
Market Competition and Resident vs. Non-Resident Distinctions
Individuals, regardless of residency status, can choose recreational programs and facilities
based on location, schedule, instructor, and cost, including options in their community, nearby
cities, workplace city, or private providers. This competitive environment underscores the
importance of setting fees that are market-competitive, reflecting service value, and remaining
affordable and accessible for residents.
Table 1 summarizes current resident benefits and non-resident fee differentials by program
area.
Table 1
Registration
Category
Resident Registration Benefits Non-Resident Registration /
Reservation Practice
Organized, paid
recreation classes,
camps, and
leagues
Residents receive priority access
to registration
Registration opens 7 days after resident
registration
Non-residents pay a 20% fee differential
Senior Center
Membership
Membership registration is
available on an on-going basis
Residents receive a resident rate
for membership
Class registration opens the
same day for everyone age 50+
regardless of residency; for the
travel program, members
receive priority registration
Non-residents pay a 20% fee differential
for memberships and classes
Sports Center
Membership
Membership registration is
available on an on-going basis
Non-residents pay a 20% fee differential
for memberships
Non-resident participation is a key contributing component in sustaining a broad program
portfolio. It can support adequate enrollment, reduce the likelihood of program cancellations,
and supports the efficient use of City facilities, particularly specialized, seasonal, or capacity-
3
driven programs. Higher non-resident fees increase cost recovery, offset operating and
maintenance costs, and reduce the costs to residents while preserving their resident priority
access and preferential pricing.
The Department currently applies a 20% fee differential for non -residents, consistent with
neighboring agencies as shown in Table 2.
Table 2
Agency Non-Resident Differential, if any
Campbell None
Cupertino 20%
Los Altos 20%
Menlo Park 35%
Milpitas $20
Morgan Hill $5 for classes under $100
$10 for classes more than $100
Mountain View 25%
Palo Alto 15%
San Jose $4
San Mateo None
Santa Clara 25% with $75 cap
Sunnyvale 25%
Effective July 1, 2026, staff will increase the non-resident differential to 25% department-wide,
bringing rates more in line with neighboring agencies .
A larger increase in non-resident fee differentials may generate short-term revenue; however, it
can affect participation levels and long-term stability. As fees rise, price sensitivity may
increase, leading some participants to explore comparable programs elsewhere or leave the
market entirely. For example, higher premiums on swim lessons or summer camps can lead
non-resident families to consider alternative providers, which may affect overall enrollment.
Fewer non-resident participants may affect program sustainability by reducing repeat
customers and limiting referral-driven enrollment. Lower enrollment can make it harder to
meet class minimums and may result in cancellations and impact families relying on programs
for childcare and reducing future sign-ups. If participation drops, it may result in higher fees for
residents and/or the need to reduce or eliminate programs. This can create a cycle that affects
cancellations, costs, program quality, and overall revenue despite higher fees.
Sports Center and Senior Center Membership Fees
4
Agencies often use membership structures for facilities offering drop-in programming. In
Cupertino, both the Sports Center and Senior Center follow this model , with current and
pending fee schedules detailed below.
Sports Center Membership
Membership data for 2020 and 2021 are significantly affected by the pandemic, including
temporary closures, fluctuating program availability driven by public health orders, and
reduced public comfort with gym settings. From 2022 – 2025, the Sports Center averaged 1,543
members per year (see Table 3), with an average of 138 residents and 82 non-residents new
passholders annually. In 2026, membership is trending toward full post-pandemic recovery
with almost two-thirds of the members maintaining residency status.
Table 3
Year Resident Non-Resident Total
2019 1,563 (60%) 1,015 (40%) 2,578
2022 815 (66%) 406 (33%) 1,221
2023 965 (71%) 393 (28%) 1,358
2024 1,157 (69%) 519 (30%) 1,676
2025 1,293 (67%) 625 (32%) 1,918
Through April 23, 2026 1,196 (61%) 768 (39%) 1,964
Market Rate Assessment
To assess market rate in anticipation of needed fee adjustments, staff compared the Sports
Center rates and amenities with the Northwest YMCA, the Jewish Community Center in Los
Gatos, and the Los Gatos Swim & Racquet Club. Except for a pool and sauna, amenities are
comparable, though the Sports Center is older and has fewer aesthetic upgrades. Current
Cupertino rates are 26% – 59% lower than benchmarked agencies for a standard individual
membership.
Effective January 1, 2027, the Sports Center fee structure will be revised to address existing
inconsistencies among rate tiers, using the single monthly rate as the basis for all calculations.
This change initiates a four-year process to align resident fees with market rates by 2030, with
non-resident fees set at a 25% differential beginning in 2027. A staff -led survey conducted in
2030 will inform future adjustments. Table 4 outlines the annual fee escalator, along with the
increased non-resident differential.
Table 4
Monthly
Memberships
2026 Rate
(20% non-resident
differential)
2027 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
2028 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
2029 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
2030 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
5
Single $65 resident
$78 non-resident
$75
$94
$77
$97
$79
$99
$81
$102
Couple $85 resident
$102 non-resident
$97
$122
$109
$137
$121
$152
$133
$167
Family
(2 adults and 1
child)
$105 resident
$126 non-resident
Additional child
$8 resident
$10 non-resident
$117
$147
$16
$20
$129
$162
$24
$30
$141
$177
$32
$40
$153
$192
$40
$50
Senior $50 resident
$60 non-resident
$53
$67
$56
$70
$59
$74
$62
$78
Student $30 resident
$36 non-resident
$33
$42
$36
$45
$39
$49
$42
$53
Annual
Memberships
2026 Rate
2027 Rate 2028 Rate 2029 Rate 2030 Rate
Single $440 resident
$528 non-resident
$512
$640
$584
$730
$656
$820
$728
$910
Couple $825 resident
$990 non-resident
$929
$1,162
$1,033
$1,292
$1,137
$1,422
$1,241
$1,552
Family
(2 adults and 1
child)
$920 resident
$1,104 non-resident
Additional child
$100 resident
$120 non-resident
$1,054
$1,318
$168
$210
$1,188
$1,485
$236
$295
$1,322
$1,653
$304
$380
$1,456
$1,820
$372
$465
Senior $395 resident
$474 non-resident
$442
$553
$489
$612
$536
$670
$583
$729
Student Not available n/a n/a n/a n/a
Day Pass 2026 Rate
2027 Rate 2028 Rate 2029 Rate 2030 Rate
Single Day Pass $15 resident
$25 non-resident
$15
$20
$16
$21
$16
$21
$17
$22
Senior Center Membership
The Senior Center membership transitioned to a year-round model in 2022, with memberships
expiring one year from the date purchased. In 2025, the Senior Center had 2,509 members of
which 51.1% (1,283) were residents with current membership fees detailed in Table 5.
6
Table 5
Day Use Pass Monthly Pass Annual Membership
Senior Center $5 per day n/a $25 resident
$30 non-resident
Regional comparison shows that membership benefits vary significantly by agency depending
on available program and service offerings. On average, annual membership rates in the region
range from $25 – $35 per year for residents.
In addition to membership, the Senior Center offers fee-based classes, workshops, events, and
travel with fees set to recover costs at the member rate. Registration fees for non-members
include a cost differential. Table 6 shows the planned membership fee increases through 2030.
Table 6
Annual
Memberships
2026 Rate
(20% non-
resident
differential)
2027 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
2028 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
2029 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
2030 Rate
(25% non-
resident
differential)
Resident $25 $26 $27 $28 $30
Non-resident $30 $33 $34 $35 $38
Visitor Pass $5 $5 resident
$6 non-
resident
$6 resident
$7 non-
resident
$7 resident
$8 non-
resident
$8 resident
$10 non-
resident
Sports Courts within Parks
The California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) emphasizes that parks and recreation are
essential services that shape healthy, resilient, and thriving communities. From cleaner air and
safer neighborhoods to mental wellness and economic vitality, public investment in parks, open
space, and recreation transforms lives. In turn, CPRS advocate s for publicly funded systems that
preserve free access to parks, trails and special events to foster community connection and well-
being, increase property values, and encourage participation in outdoor recreation.
Cupertino parks provide public spaces designed to support free and informal recreation for
both residents and non-residents, reflecting the City’s regional connectivity with our
neighboring agencies. The City has historically prioritized free, informal use of open spaces and
sports courts, with reservations and associated fees limited to athletic fields and large picnic
areas.
A review of court access and operational practices across Santa Clara County shows a general
distinction between public park courts, drop-in “open gym” environments, and membership-
7
based facilities (Attachment C). Most cities provide free, drop-in access to public park courts,
often through shared or dual-use configurations (e.g., tennis, handball, or basketball courts).
Most outdoor public spaces among comparable agencies are not fee-based due to both
enforcement challenges and public expectations regarding open access. In the current
configuration, the courts do not have a mechanism for on-site supervision, such as an adjacent
kiosk; the fencing along one section is exceptionally low for easy access, and there is not a coded
gate entry system. Consistent and effective enforcement will require these types of structural
upgrades, or an increase in staffing, which would in turn lead to the need for additional
funding. As a result, the City remains reliant on intermittent monitoring to enforce park and
court rules.
Memorial Park Pickleball Pilot
As recreation trends evolve, pickleball has emerged as one of the fastest-growing
multigenerational sports nationwide. In response, many communities have expanded access
through shared-use courts, new facilities, and updated policies that balance demand wi th
considerations such as scheduling, noise, and neighborhood compatibility.
The City recognizes the growing popularity of pickleball and the importance of balancing
equitable access to free, drop-in recreational opportunities to the public while maintaining
quality of life for nearby residents.
At Memorial Park, players are currently asked to use quiet paddles and balls from dawn to 9
a.m. and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily to help reduce noise impacts on nearby residents. Staff has
received feedback from residents regarding noise concerns. In an effort to support both resident
quality of life and access to recreational opportunities, we are implementing a trial approach
aimed at achieving a more balanced outcome.
This trial is intended to establish hours and usage guidelines for the publicly accessible
pickleball courts in Memorial Park with a trial from July 7, 2026 - February 7, 2027. The duration
is intended to successfully evaluate hours, court usage patterns, player and neighborhood
feedback across different seasons and daylight conditions . Staff recommendations following the
trial will be based on findings with an attempt to maintain an appropriate balance between
access, equity, and neighborhood compatibility.
The trial program will begin at the public pickleball courts in Memorial Park. Free drop -in
pickleball play will be available Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The courts will
be closed to pickleball on Mondays. These hour limits and one day weekly closure are intended
to help minimize pickleball noise impacts on residents in nearby homes during early morning
and evening periods.
Tennis will continue to be available on the public courts in Memorial Park. Play is permitted
seven days a week starting at sunrise when the park opens , and the court's lights will continue
to turn off at 9 p.m. for the added benefit for nearby residents.
8
Neighborhood Pickleball Consideration Guidelines
All pickleball court users are expected to be respectful of adjacent neighborhoods by:
• Keeping noise levels to a minimum, including:
o Parking in City parking lots as opposed to along neighborhood streets
o Limiting excessive cheering or shouting
o No use of amplified sound or music
o Quiet equipment is requested at all times
• Following all posted rules and staff direction
• Disposing of trash in park receptacles
Ongoing Pickleball Evaluation
Staff will monitor court usage and collect community feedback throughout the trial.
Operational adjustments may be made to support a balanced approach to access, equity, and
neighborhood quality of life.
Communication on Trial Program
Beginning in mid-May, staff will distribute a Good Neighbor Letter to residents near Memorial
Park to provide information about the trial. At the same time, staff will use existing
communication channels, including the Parks and Recreation eNewsletter, City and
Department social media, the City Manager’s Newsletter, and on-site temporary signage (e.g.,
A-frame signs), to share information with the broader community. The City will also have a
webpage dedicated to the trial overview with FAQ’s, as well as a dedicated email address for
submitting feedback.
Recreation Program Delivery, Budget Framework, and Financial Sustainability
To maximize participation and community benefit, recreation fees must balance affordability
and equity with budget allocations, revenue targets, and economic conditions. Annually, staff
evaluates the mix of programs and services offered, incorporate emerging trends, identify new
innovative programs to maintain a well-balanced portfolio, and reduce or discontinue
underperforming programs to achieve this and maximize facility utilization.
In addition to implementing trial programs to understand usage and balance concerns, the
Department will continue to do regular fee studies to ensure fees reflect actual service costs,
remain competitive with other service providers, and support the City’s long -term financial
sustainability while maintaining equitable access and resident pr iority.
Sustainability Impact
No sustainability impact.
Fiscal Impact
Staff plan to implement membership rates and a resident/non -resident fee structure that align
with the Department mission and Council-approved cost recovery policy, reflect industry best
practices, and respond to market conditions. The new rate structure and pricing methodology
9
are designed to support financial sustainability while maintaining equitable access, including
appropriate non-resident differentials and consistent registration practices. While the proposed
rate structure and pricing methodology are consistent with those of neighboring jurisdictions,
the precise fiscal impacts remain uncertain. These changes, together with the planned biannual
evaluation of programs and services, are anticipated to positively influence revenue and
support the Department’s long-term financial stability and service delivery.
City Work Program (CWP) Item/Description
None
Council Goal:
Quality of Life and Fiscal Strategy
California Environmental Quality Act
No California Environmental Quality Act impact.
Prepared by: Carolyn McDowell, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
Reviewed by: Rachelle Sander, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved for Submission by: Tina Kapoor, City Manager
Attachments:
A - Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report, pages 684-689
B - Pickleball Availability throughout Santa Clara County
Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report City of Cupertino, CA
Matrix Consulting Group 41
9. Parks & Recreation
Within the Parks and Recreation Department, the Recreation Services Organization is
responsible for providing residents and visitors with recreational and leisure activities.
The Department coordinates, promotes, and oversees recreation services across various
programs. The following dot points provide an overview of each program:
•Cultural Events is responsible for facilitating City hosted events and acting as
liaison for community sponsored special events.
•Facilities is responsible for managing daily operations and overseeing the rental
of the Community Hall, Quinlan Community Center, and the Creekside Park
building.
•Youth Teen Recreation is responsible for developing and overseeing fee-based
youth and teen programs (i.e. summer camps, preschool, enrichment classes,
etc.).
•Senior Center is responsible for developing and overseeing activities at the Senior
Center (i.e., enrichment classes, group trips, social events, etc.).
•Youth and Teen Programs is responsible for supporting the Youth Activity Board,
coordinating the teen summer volunteer program, producing on youth specific
special events, and managing daily operations of the Monta Vista Recreation
Center.
•Neighborhood Events is responsible for scheduling summer events at
neighborhood parks (i.e., outdoor concerts and movies, fitness programs,
performances, etc.).
•Park Facilities is responsible for the operations of Blackberry Farm which provides
open spaces for various recreational activities (i.e., swimming, picnics, etc.) along
with overseeing and managing the McClellan Ranch Preserve and the Community
Garden.
•Blackberry Farms Golf Course is responsible for managing the daily operations of
the City’s nine-hole golf facility.
•Sports Center Operations is responsible for managing the daily operations of the
Cupertino Sports Center, along with providing various wellness and sport related
activities (i.e., tennis, pickleball, fitness classes, etc.).
684
CC 02-06-2024
684 of 723
ATTACHMENT A
Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report City of Cupertino, CA
Matrix Consulting Group 42
• Outdoor Recreation is responsible for providing the community with various
sports, fitness, and outdoor activities (i.e., swim classes, sports leagues, nature,
and science programs, etc.).
Like most cities, Cupertino assess most of their fees within each program on a tiered
basis, proportionate to the benefit provided to the community. Depending on where the
applicant falls on the tiered system their fee(s) will vary based on the associated cost
recovery goal for that group. Cupertino classifies applicants into four groups: Cupertino
Non-Profit, Non-Profit, Resident, and Non-Resident. Grants, special funding, or general
fund subsidies are then used to offset the difference in cost recovery to ensure that the
community and visitors have equitable access to programs and facilities.
Recreation fees are classified as market driven due to their optional nature. Residents
have the choice of utilizing the programs and facilities within their own community or
those of a neighboring city. Given this, while the project team worked with parks and
recreation staff to review costs associated with individual program fees, this report
focuses and highlights overall programmatic cost recoveries.
The following subsections provide an overview of the legal framework for recreational
fees along with a cost recovery analysis of Cupertino’s Park and Recreation services at
the programmatic level.
Parks & Recreation Legal Framework
There are specific rules and regulations within California State Law that impact Parks and
Recreation related activities directly. These can be separated into two categories – rental
rates and recreation programs. The following points provide further information
regarding these items:
1. Rental Rates: One of the exceptions to the tax category under proposition 26 is a
charge imposed for entrance to or use of local government property, or the
purchase, or rental, or lease of local government property6. There is no requirement
that these rates must be limited to the cost of service, as they can be dependent
upon a variety of features of the facility or park being rented.
2. Recreation Programs: Under Proposition 26, the exception to the tax category is a
charge that is “imposed”. Based upon the League of California Cities
implementation guide for Proposition 26, as well as other legal opinions, recreation
classes, youth sports, adult sports, are not a charge that is “imposed upon
residents”. Rather residents have the option to voluntarily participate in those
6 Proposition 26 Article XIII C(1)(e)(4)
685
CC 02-06-2024
685 of 723
Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report City of Cupertino, CA
Matrix Consulting Group 43
programs and utilize a private entity (non-governmental entity) for those activities.
Therefore, these rates are allowed to be set based upon the market options within
the area rather than being restricted to the cost of service being provided.
Utilizing these two principals is key to understanding the results generated through this
analysis. As such, when setting fees specific to Parks and Recreation fees do not need
to be set at or under the cost of service, rather, fee amount(s) can and should be based
upon the rates that the market can bear.
Cost Recovery Analysis – Direct Expenses
The typical cost recovery for Parks and Recreation services is between 20-50%. The low-
cost recovery for these services is due to the belief that these services primarily benefit
the community at large, and as such are providing a direct benefit to residents and the
community. The Parks and Recreation Department recovers approximately 54% of its
direct costs, which is slightly above the average seen in other jurisdictions. This cost
recovery percentage equates to an annual subsidy of approximately $4.4 million. In order
to assess cost recovery, the project team compared FY24 budgeted expenditures with
FY22 actual revenue to assess the direct cost recovery. The following table shows by
program: expenditures, revenue, and the resulting cost recovery percentage.
Table 17: Annual Parks & Recreation Program Cost Recovery – Direct Costs
Program Revenue Budget Difference Cost Recovery %
Cultural Events $1,221 $437,794 ($436,573) 0.28%
Facilities $203,173 $390,211 ($187,038) 52%
Youth Teen Recreation $854,411 $1,703,251 ($848,840) 50%
Senior Center $70,129 $812,264 ($742,135) 9%
Youth and Teen Programs $0 $278,895 ($278,895) 0%
Neighborhood Events $0 $92,872 ($92,872) 0%
Park Facilities $195,207 $1,270,364 ($1,075,157) 15%
BBF Golf Course $602,779 $642,342 ($39,563) 94%
Sports Center Operations $2,796,329 $2,840,279 ($43,950) 98%
Outdoor Recreation $439,717 $1,086,993 ($647,276) 40%
Total $5,162,966 $9,555,265 ($4,392,299) 54%
The primary contributor to the Department’s deficit is Park Facilities at $1.1 million;
followed by ‘Youth Teen Recreation’ and ‘Senior Center’ at $849,000 and $742,000,
respectively. These large differences align with programs which offer a higher community
benefit, as such, they are subsidized. While the programs which have a more individual
benefit (BBF Golf Course, Sports Center, etc.) have less of a difference and their individual
cost recovery percentages are closer to 100%.
686
CC 02-06-2024
686 of 723
Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report City of Cupertino, CA
Matrix Consulting Group 44
Cost Recovery Analysis – Direct & Indirect Expenses
In the previous section, the cost recovery only incorporated direct budgeted expenditures
for the Department. However, various indirect costs are associated with the daily
operations within the Department. The following dot points summarize the indirect cost
components included in this analysis:
• Citywide: consists of indirect costs from other City departments, such as, Finance,
Human Resources, City Manager, etc., who do not deal directly with recreation fees
but do support the staff who spend direct time on fees.
• Departmental / Administrative: consists of indirect support from the
administrative programs within the Parks and Recreation Department who provide
administrative and managerial support to staff who spend direct time on fees.
• Parks & Recreation Maintenance: consists of costs from programs which act as
budgetary centers for the continued maintenance and upkeep of open spaces and
facilities.
The result of adding the direct and indirect costs together creates “fully burdened”
expenditures, allowing for a more accurate comparison of cost recovery. The following
table shows the cost recovery percentages at the programmatic level based upon
comparing FY22 Actual Revenue to the calculated “fully burdened” expenditures.
Table 18: Annual Parks & Recreation Program Cost Recovery – Total Costs
Program Revenue
Direct &
Indirect Exp Difference Cost Recovery %
Cultural Events $1,221 $768,430 ($767,209) 0.16%
Facilities $203,173 $802,246 ($599,073) 25%
Youth Teen Recreation $854,411 $2,827,397 ($1,972,986) 30%
Senior Center $70,129 $1,437,067 ($1,366,938) 5%
Youth and Teen Programs $0 $503,414 ($503,414) 0%
Neighborhood Events $0 $179,317 ($179,317) 0%
Park Facilities $195,207 $2,536,875 ($2,341,668) 8%
BBF Golf Course $602,779 $1,217,291 ($614,512) 50%
Sports Center Operations $2,796,329 $5,116,163 ($2,319,834) 55%
Outdoor Recreation $439,717 $1,880,645 ($1,440,928) 23%
Total $5,162,966 $17,268,845 ($12,105,879) 30%
With the inclusion of indirect expenses, the Department’s cost recovery percentage
decreases from 54% to 30% and the dollar value of the deficit increases from $4.4 million
to $12.1 million. At $2.3 million each, Park Facilities and Sports Center Operations are the
largest contributors to the Department’s deficit. Since both programs have fees which are
primarily based on market-rate it is imperative that staff and management evaluate these
687
CC 02-06-2024
687 of 723
Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report City of Cupertino, CA
Matrix Consulting Group 45
fees and adjust appropriately to not only align with established cost recovery polices and
targets but also to lessen the cost recovery gap.
Summary
Certain Parks and Recreation programs tend to achieve higher cost recovery (i.e., rentals
and Golf Course); whereas other programs (i.e., neighborhood events and senior
activities), due to their benefit to the community, have lower cost recovery. The following
table compares both cost recovery percentages at the programmatic level.
Table 19: Programmatic Cost Recovery Comparison
Program
Direct Exp Cost
Recovery %
Direct & Indirect Exp
Cost Recovery %
Cultural Events 0.28% 0.16%
Facilities 52% 25%
Youth Teen Recreation 50% 30%
Senior Center 9% 5%
Youth and Teen Programs 0% 0%
Neighborhood Events 0% 0%
Park Facilities 15% 8%
BBF Golf Course 94% 50%
Sports Center Operations 98% 55%
Outdoor Recreation 40% 23%
Total 54% 30%
By incorporating the indirect costs associated with parks and recreation operations the
Departmental cost recovery percentage of 54% decreases to 30%, which is within the
typical cost recovery range of 20% – 50%. The following dot points provide a summary of
each programs cost recovery comparison:
• Cultural Events recovers 0.28% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of
$437,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 0.16% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $767,000.
• Facilities recovers 52% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of $187,000 in
relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this program
recovers 25% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $599,000.
• Youth Teen Recreation recovers 50% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of
$848,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 30% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $1.97 million.
688
CC 02-06-2024
688 of 723
Cost of Services (User Fee) Study Report City of Cupertino, CA
Matrix Consulting Group 46
• Senior Center recovers 9% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of $742,000 in
relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this program
recovers 5% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $1.4 million.
• Youth and Teen Programs recovers 0% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of
$279,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 0% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $503,000.
• Neighborhood Events recovers 0% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of
$93,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 0% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $179,000.
• Park Facilities recovers 15% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of $1.1
million in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 8% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $2.3 million.
• Blackberry Farms Golf Course recovers 94% of its costs providing an annual
subsidy of $40,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored
in this program recovers 50% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $615,000
• Sports Center Operations recovers 98% of its costs providing an annual subsidy
of $44,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 55% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $2.3 million.
• Outdoor Recreation recovers 40% of its costs providing an annual subsidy of
$647,000 in relation to its direct costs. When indirect costs are factored in this
program recovers 23% off its costs providing an annual subsidy of $1.4 million.
Overall, the Department should continue their practice of evaluating cost recovery levels.
The nature of Parks and Recreation services means that fee structures are dynamic,
adjusting to economic shifts and public demand. Administrators often develop and
approve fee increases, with an aim to maintain the quality and accessibility of park
facilities and recreational services. Fee adjustments must balance affordability for users
with generating enough revenue to support ongoing operations and improvements.
Program and city management continuously navigate this cycle, considering factors like
inflation, facility upgrades, and program popularity to ensure the long-term success of
parks and recreation programs and services in the community.
689
CC 02-06-2024
689 of 723
Santa Clara County Pickleball Locations
City
Public/
Private Facility # of Courts
Reservations
Available Fees
Indoor/
Outdoor Hours
Dedicated/
Dual Quiet Equip. Required Amenities
City of Cupertino Pickleball Opportunities
Cupertino Public Memorial Park 8 No No Outdoor Dawn to 9pm Dual (Tennis)Requested dawn to 9am, 7 to 9pm Lighted, Restrooms
Cupertino Public Cupertino Sports Center 8 Yes, members only Free for members, $15 R/$25 NR day pass Outdoor 8am to 8 pm Dual (Various)No Lighted, Full gym facility
Park/School Opportunities
City
Public/
Private Facility # of Courts
Reservations
Available Fees
Indoor/
Outdoor Hours
Dedicated/
Dual Quiet Equip. Required Amenities
Campbell Public Campbell Community Center Varies Yes $8 per session Indoor Sun 6:30pm to 9:45pm Dual (Gym)No Restrooms, Lockers
Cupertino Public Memorial Park 8 No No Outdoor Dawn to 9pm Dual (Tennis)Requested dawn to 9am, 7 to 9pm Lighted, Restrooms
Cupertino Public DeAnza College 6 No $3 Parking Fee Outdoor Non-Class Hours Dual (Tennis)No Lighted, BYO Nets
Gilroy Public Sunrise Park 4 No No Outdoor Dawn to Dusk Dedicated No Restrooms
Los Altos Public McKenzie Park 6 No No Outdoor M/W/F/Sa All Day Dual (Tennis)No Restrooms
Los Altos Public Egan Jr. High 8 No Indoor M/W 6:30 to 9:30pm Dual (Gym)No Restrooms
Facility (Gym, Center, Club) Opportunities
City
Public/
Private Facility # of Courts
Reservations
Available Fees
Indoor/
Outdoor Hours
Dedicated/
Dual Quiet Equip. Required Amenities
ATTACHMENT B