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Monterey Sports Center sees record visits, staff warn budget gap threatens programs
Summary
Recreation staff said the Sports Center recorded more than 57,000 visits in January and has near‑capacity programming, but rising labor costs and a projected $10 million city budget gap mean staff will request higher part‑time allocations to sustain services.
Monterey Recreation staff reported surging demand at the Monterey Sports Center and signaled staffing and budget pressure could force program reductions unless part‑time salary allocations are adjusted.
Bill (Sports Center management) told the Parks & Recreation Commission that January saw roughly 57,000 visits to the Sports Center — an average approaching 2,000 daily visits — and that class enrollments across fitness, aquatics and youth sports are at or above target. The center now runs near 100 weekly group‑exercise classes, has increased personal training packages and has revived a popular ping‑pong program with active daily play.
“This has been a really good business time for us,” Bill said. “In the month of January alone we had over 57,000 visits.”
At the same time, Shannon and other staff described a looming citywide budget gap they estimate at about $10 million; staff said part‑time salaries are especially constrained and that competitive regional pay is affecting recruitment and retention. Department leaders argued the inability to hire sufficient part‑time staff would directly reduce programs and make it difficult to support expanded seasonal services such as summer camp.
“Minimum wage is now $16.90 and we’re starting people at $17,” one staff speaker explained during the discussion, noting local private employers advertise substantially higher hourly wages and that staff will seek higher part‑time wage allocations in budget talks to maintain safe program levels.
Why it matters: The Sports Center provides youth programs, senior services, fitness and aquatics that the private market does not comprehensively supply. Reduced staffing could force cuts to classes and camps, which would affect families and cost‑recovery targets.
What’s next: Recreation staff said they will continue budget preparation and bring requests for increased part‑time salary and benefit allocations into the city budget process. They also described short‑term operational fixes including targeted scheduling and use of CSUMB interns to expand capacity.
