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Sandpoint recreation staff report sports center revenue, lifeguard recruitment and new programming
Summary
Recreation staff updated the commission on the Jay Z Russell Sports Center’s early operations, staffing needs, lifeguard recruitment and a slate of youth and adult programming; staff reported first-month revenue, staffing levels and next steps for expanding hours and offerings.
City of Sandpoint recreation staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 15 that the Jay Z Russell Sports Center is in its initial operating phase, reporting early revenues and ongoing recruitment for lifeguards and part-time staff.
Recreation staff member Katie said recruitment has begun for lifeguards, with a starting hourly rate set at $14.50 and the possibility of moving hires up to $16 depending on budget. Katie said lifeguard recruitment will continue through March; she said a best-case recruitment would yield 12 lifeguards to support weekday operations and a staffing level of 18–20 to provide full seven-day coverage.
Katie reported the sports center’s first full month of operations produced about $24,787 in revenue — driven in part by upfront annual memberships — and listed total expenditures of about $19,337 for the opening period. She said a one-time $4,000 electric bill inflated early utility costs because of ongoing construction work and open garage doors during the finishing phase. The facility currently employs six part-time staff working an average of about 12.75 hours per week; staff told the commission they plan to recruit one or two additional part-time employees to allow the center to open seven days a week.
Staff described active outreach to schools and community groups and discussed partnerships with outside providers. Katie said the city is talking with Skybox, an outside youth-sports operator, to help run youth basketball and other programs on a revenue-share model and that the city had been in contact with local schools, nonprofits and athletic groups about renting court time and running clinics. Daniel, the facility supervisor (mentioned by staff), is arranging conversations with local lacrosse and other coaches to pilot uses of the space.
Staff also outlined programming ideas that include Tiny Tots soccer, youth basketball in three age groups, pickleball group-play sessions and fly-fishing casting lessons in the community room. Staff said interior work — including installation of backstop curtains — is due the week after the Jan. 15 meeting, after which staff plan to open the perimeter walking track for the public and expand community-use hours.
No formal action or vote on staffing or program decisions was recorded at the Jan. 15 meeting; staff asked commissioners for feedback as they finalize hiring and programming decisions.
