The Rock Springs City Council on Dec. 2 adopted a set of changes to recreation fees aimed at increasing membership while adding modest revenue for operations.

Mayor Max Mickelson and Parks and Recreation staff framed the revision as a pricing strategy: reduce the monthly membership rate to attract more members, and charge targeted, nominal fees for instructor‑led classes and high‑cost services to cover staffing and instruction. “By lowering the monthly rate, the hope is because when we increase the monthly rate, we lost a significant number of patrons,” Mickelson said, adding that class fees reflect the extra staff time and services those events require.

The changes include a punch‑card option, a $20 per month unlimited‑class product and per‑class fees for instructor‑led offerings. Staff and council acknowledged that tracking and front‑desk logistics will require adjustments; Parks and Recreation staff said they have proposed check‑in and auditing systems and would monitor impacts.

Members of the public pressed the council on equity and senior access. Tim Savage said some class prices would rise “300 to 600%” for seniors while other fees fall, and asked why the structure seemed complex and inconsistent. Jackie Wells, a regular Civic Center attendee, told the council that many seniors rely on SilverSneakers and social interaction as much as exercise; she welcomed the $20 unlimited option but warned of congestion and out‑of‑pocket class costs for members whose insurance does not cover classes. Longtime instructor Tammy Morlock urged continued investment in instructor training and inclusion of seniors in planning, saying instructors and the social aspect of classes keep older residents active.

Councilors said they were balancing equity and fiscal need. One councilor cited Civic Center and Rec Center revenue and expense figures presented from the FEA study, noting multi‑million‑dollar deferred maintenance projections; staff estimated roughly $30,000–$40,000 in additional revenue tied to class fees based on last year’s participation levels. Several council members said the fee guidelines are not permanent and recommended a six‑month review to assess membership and access impacts.

After debate and public comment, the council approved the fee guideline and the revised schedules for the Civic Center and Family Recreation Center. Councilors voting against or abstaining on related motions were recorded in the meeting minutes where indicated. The council also directed staff to monitor implementation, audit class participation and report back if the policy produces unintended hardship for low‑income or fixed‑income residents.

The policies approved include provisions for SNAP recipients and other low‑income exemptions; staff said some users will not be charged under the equitable access program. The council added a complementary equitable recreation access policy to help subsidize access for qualifying residents.

The Parks and Recreation director said the department will move forward with outreach about the new options and will return to council with usage data and any recommended adjustments.