Summer Camp Program Updates
WSHCC
The West Side Heating/Community Center (WSHCC) is a City of Ann Arbor parks capital project that has been tracked by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB). Through mid-2025, the project was in a planning and financial analysis phase, with staff preparing low, medium, and high cost-recovery scenarios to address concerns about staffing costs and the overall cost of the building; the community preference for open gym time over heavy rental usage was noted as a tension with cost recovery goals.
- May 14, 2026Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 3Joint School Board Meeting
Traditional camps continue to fill very quickly; unfilled slots are held for financial assistance cases. Specialty camps are not filling as quickly due to rising cost of living. Staff retention rate is 50-60%, well above the national average of ~20%.
Thaiss Park
Thaiss Park is a City park undergoing full redevelopment, including new ballfields, a playground, adult exercise equipment, a clubhouse building, and related infrastructure. The City Council approved a $7,725,650 construction contract with Bright Masonry, Inc. on October 8, 2024, and the project was fully funded.
- May 14, 2026Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 3Joint School Board Meeting
Traditional camps continue to fill very quickly; unfilled slots are held for financial assistance cases. Specialty camps are not filling as quickly due to rising cost of living. Staff retention rate is 50-60%, well above the national average of ~20%.