Collaboration leads to fee structure proposed for Westside Recreation
Published on July 17, 2024
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Today, the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department announced a proposed fee structure for the anticipated Westside Recreation Center. The City will assume operations of this year-round, multi-purpose facility on January 1, 2025. The facility will offer a variety of amenities and programs for residents of all ages and abilities.
“Our goal is to make the Westside Recreation Center a truly inclusive space,” said Brett Kollars, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. “Over the last few months, we have been collaborating with City Council, the Parks and Recreation Board, and community stakeholders to find common ground on a fee structure for recreation centers. Today, we’re sharing a proposed fee structure that allows us to generate revenue for facility maintenance and programs while ensuring accessibility for all residents.”
The proposed fee structure would amend City Fee Ordinance Sections 95.070 and 95.071. Changes to the ordinance provide daily, monthly, and annual passes to cater to various needs and budgets. The proposed reduced rates will be available for children, seniors, and low-income residents enrolled in SNAP/EBT, free/reduced school lunch, Medicaid, foster care, or those who are veterans. The proposed fees don’t require contracts, activation, cancellation, or non-resident fees.
The proposed fee structure reflects extensive research, market analysis, and valuable community input. This collaborative process included multiple working group sessions and feedback from the City Council, the Parks and Recreation Board, and City staff.
“We appreciate the efforts of Councilors Rich Merkouris and Jennifer Sigette, Parks and Recreation Board Members Michael Conlin and Brooke Wegener, and everyone involved in reaching a consensus that benefits everyone,” said Kollars.
The Westside Recreation Center will offer amenities such as an indoor play area for children, an indoor track, a gymnasium, self-guided fitness areas for adults, an indoor pool, and multi-purpose rooms for community events and gatherings. In June, the City Council approved the necessary funds to acquire this facility from Sanford Health for $9 million.
The proposed fee ordinance is being presented to the Parks and Recreation Board for consideration on July 17. Following their feedback, it will go to the City Council for a first reading on August 7 and a second reading on August 13.