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DRC reports remain strong: 2024 membership, programs and economic impact
Summary
The Derby Recreation Commission reported increased membership, program growth and economic impacts from events and Rock River Rapids; staff highlighted volunteer hours and facility improvements.
Representatives from the Derby Recreation Commission (DRC) presented the commission’s 2024 annual report to the Board of Education on March 24, summarizing membership figures, program growth, facility improvements and economic impact estimates.
DRC superintendent Chris Strum and staff reported that 2024 was the second consecutive year the main rec center retained more than 7,000 monthly members (an average of 7,370 per month) and that more than 12,000 day passes were sold across DRC facilities. Volunteers numbered 618 and contributed over 9,000 hours — a labor value the DRC estimated at roughly $536,000. The DRC reported $24,000 in scholarships to allow USD 260 residents to participate in programs and noted more than 33,000 in rental revenue from facility rentals across three buildings.
The Rock River Rapids waterpark drew about 31,000 visitors in 2024, the third‑highest attendance on record; DRC staff estimated local economic impact using two models — a KRPA calculator (approx. $3 million) and a WSU estimate (up to about $11 million) that uses longer‑term multiplier assumptions. The DRC also reported facility investments (a new main building roof, pool improvements and parking repairs), and program highlights including 1,800 swim lesson registrations and six community art shows at the Hubbard Arts Center.
Board members asked the DRC about new programs; staff said culinary arts accounted for a majority of new classes and said the unsinkables second‑grade swim program is district funded and provided free to about 470 second graders per year.
DRC leaders asked for continued collaboration; board members thanked DRC staff for services and community partnerships.
