South Davis Recreation District reports membership, revenue gains and flags upcoming capital needs

Tiff Miller, executive director of the South Davis Recreation District, told the Centerville City Council the district’s finances and participation rebounded in 2024 and remain positive so far in 2025. "We ended up bringing in about $499,000 for 2024," Miller said, adding that annual membership and program participation have grown since the pandemic lull.

The update matters because Centerville is a member city of the district and a major source of participant registration and facility use. Miller said district programs draw substantial Centerville participation and that collaboration around field space at Centerville Community Park has been important for youth soccer and other sports.

Miller highlighted several measures of growth and pressure: the district saw "28,000 more visitors in 2024," annual-pass sales were "$26,000 higher already for our annual pass sales through the first quarter," and specific program lines — including junior-jazz basketball, swim lessons and flag football — reported increased enrollment. She also described rising operating costs: utilities, insurance and pool-chemical expenses have increased in recent years, and maintenance of an ice sheet and pool remain cost drivers.

Miller outlined capital needs and timing. The South Davis Recreation District and its partner city, Bountiful, are discussing a parking-lot project likely in 2027; Miller said a roof membrane replacement at the recreation facility will probably be required in the next three to four years (staff estimated around 2028). She said the district is analyzing larger, longer-term capital projects but has no finalized plans. The district’s current bond matures in January 2026.

Miller also described program changes and outreach: a new district website launched in February through a vendor that specializes in special-district sites; minor fee adjustments for 2025 (passes increased by $10); expanded ice-rink and hockey programming; and an expanded sponsorship package tied to facility dashboards. On mental-wellness programming, Miller said the district added Doctor Nedley and Sky Breath programs for adults and youth.

Council members and staff praised the district’s turnaround and participation numbers. Council members asked practical questions about facility rentals, the timing of capital projects, and how the district coordinates with the school district. Miller said many Centerville residents participate: she characterized Centerville as one of the district’s stronger member cities and said roughly one in five Centerville residents holds a district membership under the district’s current accounting for passes.

Miller invited further conversation on partnership opportunities, including special events and parade participation. She said some underground utility and parking projects will require ongoing coordination with Bountiful City and the school district.

The update was for information; no council action was taken. Council members thanked Miller and invited staff follow-up on specific capital-timing questions.