Civic Center fees increase today

McMinnville residents will have to pay an extra $1 to enjoy the McMinnville Civic Center wellness center beginning today. Fees are increased from $1 to $2 for city residents. This increase is among several others.

?As with everything else, prices are increasing,? said Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown. ?When the city took a long look at the budget, they decided we might need to look at fees.?

The areas that are currently changing include admission fees, shelter fees, room fees and ballfield fees. All other fees will remain the same.

Although the city resident fees will match county fees when it comes to daily admission to the Civic Center, city residents can still receive a discount by purchasing monthly passes instead of paying for daily passes.

Parks and Recreation will also be offering a new option for people who play sports at the Civic Center.

?We call it the sports pass,? said Brown. ?This is for people who frequent the Civic Center for sports. They can now get a monthly pass. This will save fees for frequent visitors.?

Given the cost of everything increasing, including utilities needed to run the facility, other fees might be adjusted later.

?It is planned that we will be reviewing all fees and charges,? said Brown. ?That will be later. There may or may not be any changes in those fees when we take a look at them.?

When the Civic Center first opened its doors back in 1975, it was free to visitors. After 31 years, the cost is now $2.

?When you look at the big picture,? said Brown, ?that?s not bad. It?s hard to keep a household going these days. We understand that and we are trying to keep the prices low.?

Here is the current Civic Center fee structure effective today:

? Daily admission: $2

? Wellness pass/ sports pass: $20 city residents and seniors, $24 non-city residents

Shelters:

? Jungle Jym, Rocket Park, Ramsey Park: $30/four hours and $10 each additional hour

? Pistole Park and Riverfront Park: $35/four hours and $10 each additional hour

Room rentals:

? One: $30 half day and $10 each additional hour

? Two: $65 half day and $10 each additional hour

? Three: $100 half day and $10 each additional hour

? Four: $135 half day and $10 each additional hour

Room rentals includes two tables and 30 chairs and others at an extra charge.

Ballfield rentals are $8 per hour.