The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District board adopted a $7.8 million operating and capital budget filled with new programs and facility renovations on Wednesday night.

Board members voted 4-0 to approve the 2007-08 fiscal-year budget with nearly $6.8 million for the general fund and about $1 million for the assessment district fund, which is also considered the capital improvement fund. Director Bob Kelley was absent.

The fiscal year began July 1, but a preliminary district budget was approved last month.

The various programs range from new classes for seniors to recreational programs. They are part of the district's efforts to become more active and offer additional resources to the community, General Manager Dan LaBrado said Thursday.

The district's staff was challenged to consider operations and goals.

They also looked at how underutilized facilities could be used more, LaBrado said.

As a result, staff members came up with several ideas for new programs, he said.

"I think the district needs to take a big step forward in providing a number of programs for the community," LaBrado said.

"The district has been somewhat quiet, or staying the course for a few years," he said. "We've been in the parade, but we need to start leading the parade."

One new program expected to begin in two to three months is the park patrol program, which is budgeted for about $72,300. The district will have part-time park rangers provide security for facilities, assist in emergencies and enforce park rules and regulations, among other duties.

Details of the program, including to what extent rangers can issue citations and what equipment they will carry, are still being developed, LaBrado said.

The district also plans to start Rise and Shine Preschool, its first fully licensed preschool.

The budget allots $136,700 for the school, which will be at the Liberty Building in Freedom Park. It could begin in September.

Up to 25 potty-trained children ages 2 1/2 to 5 would be enrolled in a three- or five-day program. They would be able to participate in several activities, including morning and afternoon curriculums, among other activities, said Recreation Supervisor Jeri Letus.

For facility renovations, $75,000 has been allotted for a program that will aim to evaluate which playgrounds at park sites need new equipment and amenities. Services and materials would be purchased to maintain or renovate play equipment.

"It was kind of pent-up that we wanted to do more programs for the public," board member Paul Rockenstein said Thursday.

Rockenstein said he anticipates more senior citizen programs and expects other existing programs to be expanded.

"I think you'll continue to see that," he said, "especially if we get more facilities in the next couple of years."

Another item addressed in the budget — and allotted about $2.3 million — is the long-awaited 55-acre sports park at the Village at the Park development.

The millions in funds come from fees developers have paid the district.

Total construction costs of the park are estimated at $15 million, said Mark Carlson, administrative assistant and clerk of the board. The park is expected to be completed in August or September of next year.