Politics & Government

Parks and Rec Wants 'Traffic' at Community Center For Paying the Bills

Board wants to tweak budget proposal for coming year and get a percentage of cost "recovery."

Sunset Hills Parks and Recreation Board is looking to put on its game face for the round of budget negotiations coming up in August, for the coming year.

The debt of last year's $9 million for a Community Center and Aquatic Facility, as well as upkeep and staffing are weighing on the collective mind of the board.

While figures weren't made available yet, Parks and Recreation Director Gerald Brown told the board he is looking for more "traffic" in and out of the facilities, to spread the word on all the opportunities for city residents, and build revenue.

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The Community Center is looking for fitness club memberships on the lower level of the center. And party and meeting rooms are available for rent on the main floor—rooms with windows overlooking Watson Trail Park, and rooms with kitchen facilities.

There is also a full gym with courts, dance rooms (with mirrors) and all kinds of programs.

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The Parks and Rec board debated last week on how to shape the financial goals for the coming year's budget—whether to aim high and potentially deal with the stigma of falling short. When talking about estimated "recovery" of funds, some wanted to put 75 percent out there.

"Seventy-five is a hard nut to crack," board member Mike Gilligan said. He estimated something more like 56 percent. Brown estimated 65 percent, and was willing to shoot for 75 percent.

They agreed to also supply month-by-month figures about the use of the facilities and memberships—an upward trend.

"It's our first year of operation," Brown pointed out. The center opened Nov. 1.

Each department of city government, such as Parks and Rec, proposes a budget for the year, that is then reviewed by a city finance committee and goes before the Board of Aldermen for final decisions, typically.

"I think anything we can give them that shows we are improving is good," board Chairwoman Barb Scott said, about the month-to-month tracking. 

Gilligan called for "cross-publicizing" the new fitness center and Aquatic Facility.

Brown concurred, saying that approach was already being used when people joined the fitness club and vice versa. The pool alone was garnering many memberships compared to last year, staff said, due to hot weather, Lazy River exercise periods, deep water aerobics, Family Dinner (and live music) Night and more. Lindbergh teachers were also offered discounts to join the Aquatic Facility.

Board members suggested that city fitness memberships would likely rise when residents' memberships at other clubs expired. The city's fitness center has all new equipment and the cost is a bargain for residents and business employees in town.

Brown said the free 14-day trial of the city fitness center was nearly 100 percent effective in signing up new members. There are always fitness coaches at the center for help with equipment.

A street sign pointing the way to the new Community Center is expected to provide a big boost to business, board members said. It would be erected on the Lindbergh Boulevard side of the City Hall complex lawn, and alert drivers where the Center is, that it's open for business, and current activities.

The Community Center has early morning and late hours, and open seven days a week to accommodate most schedules, except the 24-hour one.

For more information, stop in and take a tour (behind city hall at 3939 S. Lindbergh Blvd.,) check out the city website and telephone 314-842-7265.


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