San Dimas considers options for aging recreation center

Sep. 1—The San Dimas Recreation Center could see some changes in the next few years as the city weighs the future of the 40-year-old facility.

The building, located at 990 W. Covina Blvd., is in need of upgrades estimated to cost $883,800 — money the city does not currently have set aside in its Capital Improvement Fund. Although the city has spent about $285,000 to maintain the facility over the past five years, there is more work to be done.

Upgrades to flooring, as well as pool and playground improvements, are among the needed repairs, according to a city staff report. The building houses two public swimming pools, racquetball courts, a weight and aerobics room, as well as a teen activity room and staff offices.

On Aug. 24, staff presented the City Council with multiple options to consider, including updating the existing facility at a cost of $5 million, establishing a partnership with possibly Bonita Unified School District, changing the facility's operating model, leaving it as-is or closing it altogether.

Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Wasserman said partnering with other local entities would lessen the burden on the city when it comes to maintaining the facility.

"Let's go out and talk to some local gyms and fitness facilities and see if there is some potential for a different model to make these services available to San Dimas residents in a way that's more sustainable than what we're doing now," Wasserman said at the meeting.

Councilmember John Ebiner expressed reluctance in giving up the facility to a non-city entity. He asked for more information on the demographics of those actively using the building to better make a decision on its future.

Any changes to the recreation center should focus on the aquatic center, making pools accessible for competitions, said Councilmember Eric Weber. The site's competition pool is regulation size for CIF swimming and water polo competitions, but is not Olympic-size for either sport.

"If we're going to make an investment into the facility, we should at least explore the idea of expanding the competition side of the facility," Weber said.

Meanwhile, operation costs are steep for the city at an estimated $709,970 this fiscal year. While the facility is expected to generate about $254,257 in revenue, it has a projected operating deficit of $455,713 that will be subsidized by the city's General Fund.

"This translates to a cost recovery rate of 36%, which is low by industry standards. To achieve a cost recovery rate of 72%, the City would need to increase program fees associated with the facility by 100%," a city staff report read.

Revenue for the recreation center comes mostly from memberships, swimming lessons and the Bonita Unified School District. The facility is owned and operated by the city, while BUSD uses the building for physical education classes, water polo and swim teams. The city's contract with the district generates about $57,000 per year in revenues, according to the city.

To better position itself for fiscal sustainability, the city is studying fees and whether they cover program costs and facility maintenance. City staff anticipates recommending fee increases to recover a greater portion of program costs and decrease the subsidy from the General Fund.

Additionally, a market study will be completed to provide cost recovery rates for comparable facilities and programs in surrounding cities such as La Verne and Glendora, both with similar recreational centers.

The San Dimas parks and recreation staff is set to return to the council in the near future with a strategic plan for the department. That plan will include a more detailed outline of proposed changes for the recreation center.

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