Red Rock Center for Independence seeks aquatic-center fee relief, outlines services to Cedar City Council

Hayden Johnson, executive director of the Red Rock Center for Independence, and local staff introduced the nonprofit to the Cedar City Council on April 9 and asked the city to consider waiving aquatic-center fees so the group can start an adaptive recreation program.

The Red Rock representatives told the council the organization provides equipment loans (wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, ramps), arranges home modifications such as vertical lifts, and runs weekly activities covering independent-living skills, financial literacy and employment supports. Johnson said the nonprofit covers nine counties from a base in St. George and serves about 1,000 people across that region; he said roughly one-fifth of those clients are in Cedar City and Iron County.

"So we're here to help people with disabilities first, but we wanna help the community as well," Johnson said, describing the group's approach of pairing individual supports with efforts that reduce subsidy needs or increase workforce participation.

Shanda Badger, an activity assistant at Red Rock Center for Independence, said she is trying to start an adaptive recreation program and asked Mayor Green to waive fees for the city aquatic center. Badger said the group currently uses library space for indoor activities and is seeking pool time; staff said the aquatic center charges about $20 per hour for the room and the group expects to need roughly two hours per session (about $40 per visit). Badger said the program partners with Special Olympics and other local groups.

Mayor Green said he cannot unilaterally waive fees but indicated the council and staff would explore options. Councilmembers and staff suggested the group connect with the standing disabilities-awareness committee, which council members said meets monthly, and with local donors and existing homeless and social-service networks for possible support. Councilman Riddle (Councilman Bridal was referenced by speakers as the council member who oversees the disabilities committee) and other councilmembers encouraged follow-up with city staff to identify available resources.

The Red Rock representatives said most services are free to clients, funded by state and federal grants plus donations. They asked the council to consider operational assistance or fee relief for pool access as the next step, and councilmembers requested staff follow up and report back.

The exchange occurred during the public-comment portion of the April 9 meeting; no formal council action was taken on the fee request during the meeting.