By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Changes are being considered at the community center that will help pay for fitness instructors and help people stay fit at the same time. But it also means people will be paying a little more for fitness classes.
The Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday discussed new fitness class pricing for the fall, and offering a discount for community center members who want to take classes, and for those who take classes who want to join the community center.
“Our mission is to make sure people are healthy,” said Kristin Otley, director of the parks and recreation department.
The price increase will be voted on next month, and go into effect in September. The following rates are being considered:
- Drop-in classes: $8 now, $10 proposed.
- Monthly: $40 now, $45 proposed.
- Quarterly: $105 now, $117 proposed.
- Annual: $360 now, $396 proposed.
The last time rates changed was 2015, and Otley said she would rather see “small incremental price increases” than putting it off and needing big rate hikes.
“Minimal increases is our philosophy,” Otley said.
No increase will go into effect until the fall.
“We want to be able to give people a heads up,” she said. “We want to be as transparent as we can.”
In the past, people taking classes could only go to the specific class they signed up for. But now, people can pay monthly, quarterly or annually and pick from a variety of classes, such as spin, step or zumba. That makes it more appealing for people who want to try different classes, Otley said.
But that also means some inconsistency in attendance in some classes, as patrons try out a variety of fitness programs. However, the instructors still need to be paid, she added.
To use the fitness classes, participants don’t have to be members of the community center. In an effort to make programs and the center more attractive to patrons, Otley suggested the board considers giving community center members a break on fitness class fees, and giving fitness class attendees a discount on community center membership.
Also at the park board meeting, Otley announced that plans for a new building at City Park may be ready for public viewing in August. The new building will take the place of the existing Veterans and Girl Scout buildings which are scheduled to be demolished.
Otley also reported that the picnic table and bench donated for Ridge Park have been installed. It was also noted that a few trees were taken down in City Park after the arborist identified them as needing maintenance, and a couple trees also fell across trails in Wintergarden Park.
