SWAT director warns of potential end to North Ogden soccer program due to fee hike

On January 14, 2025, the North Ogden City Council convened to discuss several pressing issues, with a significant focus on the proposed fee increases for park rentals that could impact local recreational programs, particularly the SWAT soccer program.

The meeting highlighted the concerns raised by Darren and Andrea Rumsey, who have been managing the SWAT soccer program for six years. They reported that the proposed fee hike from approximately $2,100 per season to an astonishing $50,000 per season would effectively end the program, as it would require nearly doubling the registration fees for participants. Currently, the program serves around 1,500 players, providing an affordable opportunity for youth to engage in soccer. The Rumseys emphasized that the increased costs would make participation financially burdensome for many families, potentially excluding children from low-income households.

The council members acknowledged the need for increased fees to cover maintenance costs for the parks but expressed concern over the drastic nature of the proposed increases. Council member Poehler noted that the intention was not to impose an unsustainable burden on the SWAT program, which serves a significant number of North Ogden residents. The discussion revealed that the current fee structure does not adequately reflect the usage and maintenance needs of the parks, leading to a reevaluation of how fees are assessed.

The Rumseys proposed alternative fee structures, including a flat fee per registered child, which would be more manageable and allow the program to continue operating without drastically increasing costs for families. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining a first-come, first-served reservation system to ensure equitable access to the fields for all teams, rather than a rigid scheduling system that could lead to conflicts and reduced availability.

The council's deliberations underscored the delicate balance between generating revenue for park maintenance and ensuring that community programs remain accessible to all residents. As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further discussions would be necessary to find a solution that supports both the financial sustainability of the parks and the continued success of local recreational programs. The council's next steps will likely involve revisiting the proposed fee structure and considering the Rumseys' suggestions to foster a collaborative approach that benefits the community.