By ALISON COTTLE
The Provo City Recreation Center has increased its prices for the first time in 17 years.
The rate increases range from a 50-cent raise in pool admission prices to a $25 hike in the price of annual family passes. The new prices are already in effect.
“Our facility is 23 years old; it takes constant revenue to maintain and improve it. It’s a game to raise enough to maintain the building in order to get more funding from the city,” said Sherman Miller, manager of the Provo Recreation Center.
The last price increase was in the fall of 1981 and, after surveying recreation centers across the state, Provo found that its recreation center’s prices were the lowest in the state.
The center offers swimming, weight-lifting, racquetball, walleyball and basketball. The center also has water aerobics classes and swimming lessons.
“With all the center offers, it is natural to have a price increase; it’s just like everywhere else,” said Erika Jones, an admissions cashier at the Provo Recreation Center.
Jones said some people are upset about the price increases, but for the most part she hasn’t noticed a difference in the attendance at the center. She also said the price increase is necessary to upgrade the equipment and install new computers.
Kimo Bandmann, a season pass owner, said he will continue to attend the gym because the new prices make no difference to him — it’s still cheaper than any other place, he said.
The new recreation center rates raise prices for basketball, walleyball, raquetball, swimming and weight-lifting by 50 cents per person. Swimming lesson prices have been raised by $5, and family pass prices were increased by $25.
