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Council discusses potential revenue impact from new Ashburn recreation center
Summary
Council members raised concerns that the recently opened Ashburn recreation center may overlap Leesburg's 12-mile market radius, potentially reducing membership and revenue; staff recommended monitoring year-two numbers before considering pricing changes.
Council members discussed competitive pressure from the new Ashburn recreation center and the potential impact on Leesburg's recreation revenue. Council members said Leesburg tracks a roughly 12-mile market radius for membership and that Ashburn's center could create a 3–4 mile overlap in service areas, which may reduce Leesburg's memberships and revenue.
Why it matters: Competing nearby facilities can shift membership patterns and affect revenue forecasts for Leesburg's recreation programs.
Staff advised the council to monitor usage and revenue over the next 9–12 months, suggesting that year-two numbers will give a clearer picture of any sustained decline. Council members asked whether the town would respond with price changes; staff said they do not anticipate immediate admission-rate reductions and have not raised admission rates in some time. The town noted that Ashburn's pricing appears to have eliminated separate non-resident rates and that Ashburn may use a single rate regardless of residence.
Ending: Council members asked staff to watch membership and revenue trends and to return to the council with data in future budget discussions rather than making immediate price changes.
