Rec sees members decline, program attendees increase

Program participation is climbing while membership is declining, Newton Recreation Commission members learned at a regular meeting Wednesday.

Brian Bascue, superintendent of the Newton Recreation Commission, informed board members activity center membership is down about 200 patrons compared to this time last year, but program membership is up more than 200.

Bascue said the declining memberships is due to a declining economy and competition from Anytime Fitness. But with increased class offerings and more publicity, the commission is seeing more people take advantage of different offerings.

One particular area of growth is in older adults, with the Newton Activity Center’s Silver Sneakers program continuing to grow, Bascue said.

The commission also learned there are 35 youth baseball and softball teams formed for this summer, and 27 adult baseball and softball teams.

Later, when discussing possible capital improvement projects to submit to the city, Bascue noted with the number of commission baseball and softball teams, the city is running out of practice and playing fields.

Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken baseball clubs also utilize the same fields.

Another item on that list is the proposed activity center expansion. Bascue said he has been making presentations for various groups around the city and will make a presentation to the school board on June 1.

The commission also looked at possible internal capital improvement projects.

Six projects Bascue highlighted for the coming year include a gym platform lift, replacing sprinkler heads downstairs, replacing the pool deck, a new mower, a pool vacuum and a passenger van.

In other business, the commission:

• Learned staff is preparing the municipal pool at Athletic Park, which is scheduled to open May 23. Forty part-time staff member have been hired to work at the pool, and new plastic doors have been put on stalls in the locker rooms. Staff are finishing the inside of the pool and then will ready the pool house.

• Learned the activity center will host the Life After 55 Expo today and the Senior All Night Party Saturday, so the gym will be closed today through Sunday.

• Began looking at preliminary budget numbers for next year.