By Roger Jimenez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
The Apopka City Council kicked off its 2025–26 budget workshops this week, beginning with a detailed presentation from the Parks and Recreation Department. From proposed cuts to capital improvements and the ongoing investment into Camp Wewa, the session revealed a department attempting to balance fiscal responsibility with community expectations.
Related: Camp Wewa is losing money well beyond expectations. Published in 2023.
Department Overview
Parks and Recreation is one of Apopka’s most visible departments, responsible for youth sports, city events, indoor facilities, and the maintenance of nearly 500 acres of green space.
According to the workshop presentation, department highlights from the past fiscal year include:
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2,436 Youth Athletics Program participants
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156 Adult Athletics Program participants
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180 Summer Camp participants
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479 Acres maintained
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28 Amphitheater events
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17 Community events
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436 Indoor facility rentals
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20 Camp Wewa retreat rentals
The department’s budget is primarily allocated to three core areas: Parks Maintenance, Athletics/Recreation/Events, and Facilities Maintenance. Together, these divisions account for 91% of the overall budget. Camp Wewa comprises 7%, and cemetery maintenance makes up the remaining 2%.
Scaling Back Large Events
Among the more noticeable cuts in next year’s proposal is the removal of the Apopka Proud Concert, a high-profile event that cost the city $200,000 last year. The decision comes amid a shift toward reducing large-scale entertainment in favor of more targeted, community-focused initiatives.
Another event, the Spring Orchestra Concert, was briefly considered for removal but won vocal support from the council.
“I think it’s a very unique, diverse event,” said Commissioner Nick Nesta. “This meets that [need for variety].”
Commissioner Diane Velazquez added, “This is something a lot of people look forward to.”
While no final decision was made, the orchestra concert appears to remain in the budget, reflecting the council’s interest in preserving cultural programming even as it cuts costs elsewhere.
A New Focus on Local Nonprofits
One new initiative that garnered attention was the proposed $75,000 Community Event Grant Program. If approved, this fund would support local nonprofit organizations in hosting community and cultural events.
This represents a shift from city-led events to community-powered ones, allowing local organizations to contribute creatively to Apopka’s cultural identity with financial backing from the city.
Camp Wewa: Investment Continues, Questions Remain
One area that is not seeing cuts is Camp Wewa.
The proposed budget for Camp Wewa in FY2025 is $1,034,000, up 19.1% from last year’s allocation of $867,961. The increase is attributed to additional seasonal staffing to handle retreat rentals and programming, as well as capital improvements to aging infrastructure.
Interim City Administrator and Parks & Recreation Director Radley Williams said the camp has grown in usage and reputation since its purchase in 2021.
“Retreat operations have picked up, and we need staff to support that,” Williams said. “We’re wrapping up ADA restroom upgrades, roofing improvements, and have continued to make the facility more attractive.”
Despite these upgrades, some on the council voiced concerns about the camp’s long-term financial outlook.
“When this was bought, it was said it would break even in five years,” said Commissioner Nesta. “Are we anywhere close to that?”
Williams responded plainly: “We’re not at break even for the park, no.”
According to Finance Director Blanche Sherman, the city has spent about $6.4 million total on Camp Wewa since its acquisition — including the original purchase price of roughly $4.7 million, $1.4 million in capital improvements, and $1.8 million in operating costs. Another $138,000 in capital expenses is budgeted for the coming year.
A looming cost not yet in the budget is the swimming pool. Currently closed, the pool is undergoing an assessment for possible replacement — a project that could top $1 million.
“The pool is a big sore thumb,” Williams said. “We’re working with a consultant now to evaluate options, but it’s not in this year’s budget.”
Nesta called for a clearer strategy on how to improve Camp Wewa’s financial performance.
“This is something unique. We don’t have anything else like it,” he said. “So, how do we really promote it? We’re doing it at Northwest Rec, which is not a loss leader. What’s our plan to make Camp Wewa successful?”
Building Momentum and a Marketing Plan
In response, Williams proposed collaborating with the city’s new Economic Development Director to develop a comprehensive marketing and usage strategy for Camp Wewa.
“We could earmark some of the camp’s promotional budget for economically driven outreach,” he said.
Nesta supported that approach and encouraged the city to increase its modest marketing budget — currently $1,000 for social media ads and $4,000 for signage and banners — to help boost visibility and rentals.
“It’s time to move from old Camp Wewa to something new and exciting,” he said. “If this is what the Council wants, then let’s do it right.”
Facility Maintenance and Capital Projects
While Camp Wewa sparked the most debate, the presentation also detailed citywide facility updates and capital requests, including:
Citywide Repairs and Replacements:
Painting Projects:
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Apopka Athletic Complex: $30,000
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Annex Building: $21,000
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KLNP Racquetball Court: $25,000
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Utilities Lab: $23,000
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Public Works Admin: $35,000
Renovations and Major Upgrades:
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Annex Building interior: $100,000
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Fire Station #2 upgrades: $500,000
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Fire Station bay doors: $112,000
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Utility Building roof: $50,000
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Joshua Ridge Water Plant roof: $65,000
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Dorfman/Carroll Building roof: $15,000
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Apopka Community Center Phase II: $250,000
Equipment and Miscellaneous:
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Police K9 kennel fencing: $6,500
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HVAC replacements (as needed): $70,000
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Office furniture: $80,000
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New F250 truck: $65,000
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Citywide security/access upgrades: $100,000
