Littitz Rec Center reports 9,500 combined members; borough provides land and annual pledges

Karen Mellon, executive director of the Littitz Rec Center, and Corey Pickle, executive associate, presented program and membership data to Lititz Borough Council on June 24 and highlighted the center’s reliance on municipal support and charitable fundraising.

Mellon said the Rec Center is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and reported membership figures that combine the Rec Center with a satellite facility (RecRock): “Combined with RecRock, we have over 9,500 members,” she said, adding that more than 4,200 of those members are Littitz Borough residents. Mellon also noted roughly 2,400 youth members and about 2,000 older adults among users.

Council and Rec Center staff reviewed the borough’s existing support. Councilor Jerry Mech said the borough makes land available to the center at no charge and has committed $10,000 per year to the pool capital campaign plus a $32,500 annual capital pledge. Mellon added that borough‑resident discounts to membership total about $163,000 annually.

Council members asked about programs that assist low‑income or homeless students. Mellon said the Rec Center’s Partnership Campaign raises about $100,000 annually to provide scholarships and fee assistance for childcare, lessons and memberships; applicants must verify financial need.

Councilors also discussed contract timing and future municipal contributions. A councilor asked whether the borough’s written agreement with the rec center extends through 2026 or 2030; Mellon and councilors gave differing statements in the meeting record. The finance committee signaled it will review the borough’s midyear finances and may request additional records or a follow‑up presentation before finalizing next year’s contribution decision.

No formal funding decision was made. Council members praised the rec center’s programming and said they would evaluate support during upcoming budget deliberations.