Staff at the James E. Russell Sports Center told the Parks and Recreation Commission that use and revenues have increased since implementing the Court Reserve platform and new programming.

Ryan, who manages the Sports Center, showed platform data indicating 903 check‑ins in the first two weeks of January and daily indicators that courts were heavily used. He reported $8,018 in revenue in the first two weeks of January, $14,970 for December and a November peak near $17,600. Ryan said the center has converted many single‑visit guest users into paid members and is approaching about 250 paid members—up from 59 in September.

Staff and commissioners discussed membership options and a proposed fee change: staff said a public hearing on Feb. 4 will propose eliminating the month‑to‑month option ($59/month) in favor of an annual membership ($39/month equivalent), with a $15 monthly 'pause' available for seasonal residents and a $100 reactivation fee. Jason and Ryan framed the changes as incentives to increase baseline revenue and reach 'full cost recovery' for the facility; staff estimated annual operating costs near $200,000 and suggested a $17,000 monthly revenue target for full cost recovery.

Ryan also described operational challenges from mixed uses (tennis/pickleball players, futsal, lacrosse and school practices), wear on nets and courts, and lobby crowding when outdoor playgrounds are closed. Staff plans include a small pro‑shop to generate revenue for equipment upgrades and coordination with the school district to reestablish some open gym programs.

Commissioners praised the rapid improvement in operations and discussed the need to track attendance for non-ticketed activities (walking track) and to communicate program timelines to user groups. Jason said the recreation fund historically supported programming, but as the Sports Center approaches cost recovery, those recreation dollars could be shifted back toward broader recreation programming if membership targets continue to grow.

Staff will return with fiscal detail and a recommended fee schedule ahead of the Feb. 4 public hearing.