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Ashwaubenon park board keeps $15 nonresident registration fee, allows staff flexibility
Summary
The Park and Recreation Board reaffirmed a $15 nonresident program fee and confirmed staff discretion to waive or modify it for low-cost or sponsored events, while keeping resident registration priority.
The Village of Ashwaubenon Park and Recreation Board voted Sept. 16 to keep the nonresident registration fee at $15 and to allow staff flexibility to reduce or waive the fee for low-cost or sponsored events. The board said the policy balances affordability for residents with the department’s interest in filling program slots.
David, park staff, told board members “we've been at that $15 fee” and described operational practices that prioritize Ashwaubenon residents with an initial registration window before opening remaining spots to nonresidents. He said staff can make exceptions when a $15 surcharge would be disproportionate to a program’s price: “If it's a $5 program or a $10 program…adding $15 percentage wise is astronomical.”
Board members said keeping the fee low supports participation, particularly among older residents who often attend with friends. Staff noted higher-cost programs such as multi-month dance classes and overnight summer day camp remain more expensive overall but historically have still carried the $15 nonresident surcharge. The board also discussed how co-sponsored community organizations handle nonresident fees: staff said those organizations typically keep the $15 nonresident portion to offset their own costs.
The motion to retain the $15 fee, with staff discretion for specific programs, passed by voice vote. The board directed staff to continue resident-first registration practices and to monitor whether the fee structure affects attendance or sponsorship opportunities.
