Commission approves updated recreation program fees; changes include swim lessons and inflatable zone pricing

The Spark Rat Creation Commission voted to approve a revised recreation program fee schedule during its Jan. 25 meeting. Chair (Speaker 1) moved to adopt the schedule; a commissioner (Speaker 7) seconded and the commission approved the measure by voice vote.

Recreation supervisor Ryan (Speaker 6) presented a range of proposed adjustments intended to reflect staffing and supply cost increases and to align resident/nonresident differentials. Examples cited by Ryan included archery at $30 for three weeks and $40 for four weeks (higher nonresident rates), a change to youth swim lessons priced at $45 for residents and $67.50 for nonresidents, and a new Regner inflatable-zone per-use fee of $4 for anyone age 6 and older with a signed waiver; life vests will be issued by staff for that activity, Ryan said.

Ryan said some contracted instructors (examples mentioned included Jack Anderson programs) increased their requested prices, and some higher-cost items (martial-arts–style offerings) are structured as specialty programs that carry higher fees. He also noted that certain fee increases (for example, some Jack Anderson programs) were being reviewed internally for potential alternative instructor coverage or prorating if only a single participant registers.

Chair (Speaker 1) called for the question after a brief discussion, and commissioners signified their approval by voice vote. The motion carried; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally or individual votes.

The commission will implement the new schedule for 2024 programming; staff said they will provide administrative follow-up on details such as prorating or instructor-run flexibility. The commission adjourned after routine reports.