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Traverse Park sports center posts early revenue, city says lifeguard staffing hinge on recruiting 6–15 candidates
Summary
City said the new Sports Center at Traverse Park brought in nearly $25,000 in its first five weeks and that lifeguard staffing for City Beach depends on recruiting a minimum of six certified lifeguards; pay benchmarking shows typical municipal rates around $14.50/hour.
City staff reported early operational data for the new Sports Center at Traverse Park and gave an update on lifeguard recruitment for the summer beach program at the Jan. 15 City Council meeting.
Daniel, the city’s sports facility supervisor, provided a one‑month summary to Planning Director Jason Welker, who relayed the figures to council: in five weeks the facility generated $24,786 in revenue from memberships and daily user fees; payroll expenses in that period were about $19,337, not counting additional set-up costs and monthly utilities such as electricity. Welker said initial capital equipping of the facility added about $1,000 in one‑time costs and that city staff estimate the facility is near a breakeven level when accounting for recurring operating costs.
Welker said the facility currently employs six part‑time staff averaging about 12.75 hours per week and that weekend demand, pickleball sessions and community free “community core” times regularly create peak crowds. He said curtains that form walking lanes would be installed the following week to allow up to 10 hours a day of free public walking, and the splash pad pouring is complete with an expected opening in May when weather permits.
Lifeguard recruiting and beach staffing
Welker and Central Services Director Cheryl Hughes briefed council on lifeguard pay and recruitment. Hughes said benchmarking across comparable Idaho municipalities yields an average lifeguard wage of about $14.50 per hour; Welker and Hughes said the city’s historical pay and benchmarking point to $14–$14.50 as the standard municipal rate. Welker said the city had received two interested lifeguard candidates in the first weeks since posting the job and is “hopeful that we can get 12 candidates by March.” He added: “With 12, we can be open five days a week with lifeguards. With a fully staffed program of 15, we could cover seven days; with as few as six, we can staff three days a week. Fewer than six is not a viable program.”
Why it matters: The Sports Center’s early revenue and usage numbers will inform ongoing operating decisions and staffing levels. Lifeguard recruiting affects City Beach public-safety coverage and the city’s ability to operate during peak summer months.
Ending
Staff said they will continue recruitment outreach, including coordination with the high school, post jobs on government jobs sites and Indeed, and return to the council if pay or staffing recommendations require formal action.
