Advisory board urges Lawrence commission to keep indoor recreation admission free, passes recommendation 4-3

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board voted 4-3 on Monday to recommend the Lawrence City Commission maintain a policy of free admission to indoor recreation centers for self-directed exercise and recreation.

Board members said the recommendation responds to extensive public opposition to proposed admission and membership fees while highlighting trade-offs between new revenue and cuts to services. "The Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Board recommends that you maintain the policy of keeping indoor recreation center admissions free for self-directed exercise and recreation," Board member Marilyn Hall read as the motion on the floor.

The vote came after staff presented revised membership-fee scenarios and told the board that revisions the commission requested could reduce projected membership revenue by roughly $50,000 compared with earlier estimates. "By including free access for youth and for households that qualify for the reduced rate, we're looking at…