City offers glimpse at adjusted fees for new west-side recreation center

The city of Sioux Falls is attempting to strike a balance between affordability and financial responsibility when it comes to how much it will cost to use a new west-side recreation centers, city officials said today.

For the past several months, the Parks & Recreation Department has worked with members of its board as well as Sioux Falls City Council members to bring forward a fee structure for the Sanford Wellness Center the city plans to buy later this year.

The building at 8701 W. 32nd St. would be one of two indoor recreation centers for the city, with the other at Frank Olson Park in the next several years.

The fee structure would be similar, but the focus for now is on the Sanford building, where the city is expected to begin operations early next year.

“It’s important that the west-side recreation center is truly accessible to the community,” assistant director of parks and recreation Brett Kollars said.

“We understand that affordability is key.”

The city is proposing a tiered fee structure, including admission options on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. There also would be an option for a summer pass offering swimming at all locations.

Proposed reduced rates would be available for children, seniors and low-income residents enrolled in SNAP/EBT, free or reduced school lunch, Medicaid, foster care or those who are veterans. The proposed fees wouldn’t require contracts, activation, cancellation or nonresident fees.

“We really designed this to afford flexibility to match individual needs and individual budgets,” Kollars said.

That would come at a cost to taxpayers, though. The facility is estimated to require a $685,000 annual subsidy. The Midco Aquatic Center currently requires about a $1 million subsidy, and fees haven’t been adjusted in several years.

The Westside Recreation Center would offer amenities such as an indoor play area for children, indoor track, gymnasium, self-guided fitness areas for adults,  indoor pool and multipurpose rooms for community events and gatherings. In June, the Sioux Falls City Council approved the necessary funds to acquire the facility from Sanford Health for $9 million.

Here’s a look at the type of programming that could be included:

The group assessing the fees also looked at similar facilities in other communities. Here’s how Sioux Falls would compare:

“Our proposed fees create a sustainable model that allows us to maintain the incredible facility and offer diverse programs for everyone,” Kollars said. “Compared to other communities that offer similar amenities, we’re proposing a reasonable rate. … This is truly a community space for all.”

The proposed fee ordinance was presented to the Parks and Recreation board today, which passed it unanimously. It will go to the City Council for a first reading Aug. 7 and a second reading Aug. 13.

Once it’s time for the indoor center at Frank Olson to become operational, there could be reconsideration of the fees. Any changes also would require City Council approval.

A $77 million bond to fund two swimming pool replacements — Frank Olson and Kuehn Park — and ultimately purchase the recreation center from Sanford Health is scheduled for a vote in September.