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Page 36 of 73 <br /> <br />MEMBERSHIP and USER PROGRAMS <br /> <br /> <br />The issue of membership and user fees has been brought up in virtually all stakeholder and user <br />engagement meetings, interviews, and input. The key feedback included the following: <br /> The YMCA membership rates were too high <br />o People leaving the Y or choosing not to join felt that the rates were too high, <br />especially for those that only wanted to use a portion of the facility <br />o No senior rates, although many seniors qualified for Silver Sneaker program <br />subsidies through Medicare Advantage programs or insurance coverage <br />o Many local public/municipal community recreation centers had much lower rates <br />than the YMCA <br /> Need options for daily drop-in use, not just membership only <br /> If Lino Lakes is taking over the operation of the Recreation Center Lino Lakes residents <br />should have a discounted rate <br /> Fitness only commercial facilities have grown in number in Lino Lakes and the surrounding <br />area providing basic fitness and workout facilities at lower rates. <br /> <br />Membership Market Survey <br />ISG conducted a market survey of area and regional facility membership and usage fees to provide <br />a market base to help develop membership/use fee scenarios for the Rec and Community Center. <br />This market study included public, YMCA of the North, and private facilities. The market study <br />also differentiated facilities with just fitness and those with comprehensive fitness, gym, and aquatic <br />facilities. Resident and Non-Resident rates were identified when available at public facilities. <br /> <br />This market study is included in Appendix B: Membership #B1. <br /> <br />Membership Options <br />Based on stakeholder and constituent input and market research the membership and use scenarios <br />included both a full facility membership and a fitness only membership option. This two tiered <br />option creates a fitness membership option that more effectively competes with the private <br />commercial fitness only facilities in the area as well as an option to for those only looking for the <br />dry-side fitness facilities and programs. This also provides a cleaner delineation if the fitness <br />programs and management are outsourced by a private partner. <br /> <br />Membership Benefits <br />Membership benefits include the following: <br /> Access to open swim, lap lanes, open gym and the cardio and strength workout areas <br /> Discounts on facility rentals, birthday parties, and other special event opportunities <br /> Priority program registrations (along with residents) <br /> <br />The proposed Membership Model used in this study do not include free access to fitness classes. <br />During the Study we received input recommending lower membership rates without classes <br />included. Many former YMCA members expressed concerns about paying for programs or classes <br />in their membership that they would not use. Low rates and pay for programs you use was an <br />important message.