Recreation Department Modernizes Procedures

The Parks & Recreation Department has implemented a new "membership" program designed to modernize procedures and keep better track of recreation facility usage patterns.

The Department is issuing membership cards that get swiped each time a resident uses the new Community Center or signs up for activities such as classes, sports and more. The cards come with a $5 membership fee which covers an individual or an entire family for a year.

"The membership card allows residents quick and easy access to their new Community Center and registration of programs, but also give us information related to demand and time of use of the facility," explained Parks and Recreation Director Larry Bailey. "It will also help us with budgeting and provide quick information related to the safety of our participants.”

Memberships, which must be renewed each year, are available for non-residents, too, but at a higher cost, though membership offers built-in discounts off existing non-resident fees that usually apply.

"We hope residents will see $5 a year as a great deal to have access to their new facility, and we encourage non-residents to look at our fee structure and determine which program could benefit them the most," Bailey said. “The unique feature of our membership program for non-residents is that it will not only allow access to the Center, but also give the member the resident rates for other programs and facilities such as classes, athletic programs, rentals of shelters and fields, camps, and senior trips."

Membership cards are required for use of the new Community Center at 715 Amelia Church Road but not for other recreation programs or facilities.

A family membership for non-residents will cost $160 per year, with the rate going down to $140 for a couple and $100 for an individual membership. Middle and high school students will pay just $65 for an individual membership. Seniors adults, 55 years of age and older, will pay $75 per couple or $50 for an individual membership. A monthly rate of $10 is available to middle and high school students and seniors. Non-residents can also pay a daily rate of $10 per family, couple or individual, with the price going down to $6 for middle and high school students and seniors.

A detailed rundown on the new system is available at the Parks & Recreation Overview portion of the town's web site or by clicking here.