The new facility in Fulton’s Veterans Park was christened the “City of Fulton Legends Rec Plex” during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Approved by the Fulton Park Board on Jan. 20, the moniker got the final nod from City Council members.
“‘City of Fulton’ was added at the city’s request,” said Clay Caswell, parks and recreation director.
The name will be reflected in the building’s interior decor, which will be themed around famed people — “community legends” — who have connections to Fulton and Callaway County. Those people could be cultural, sports, business, political or military icons.
City Council members also approved the facility’s main logo, which features the building’s name, a stylized running person and the facility’s distinctive roof. Variations on that logo will appear on marketing materials and merchandise, depending on the available space.
“I like what I see,” said Bob Washington, Ward 4 council member.
Caswell also provided proposed membership rates, as follows:
• Adult: daily drop-in, $5; monthly, $27; annual, $295.
• Youth (10-17) or senior (60+): daily drop-in, $3; monthly, $16; annual, $175.
• Couple: monthly, $35; annual, $380.
• Family: monthly, $40; annual, $420.
For a 20-visit pass, adults will pay $80, seniors $50 and youth $50. Corporate memberships are also available. Children younger than 10 will be admitted for free but must be accompanied by a paying adult. There is no joining fee.
Those who purchase an annual pass to both the rec plex and either the Oestreich Municipal Pool or Tanglewood Golf Course will receive a 5 percent discount; signing up for all three nets a 10 percent discount.
Fulton Director of Administration Bill Johnson asked if there will be a “walker rate” for seniors who just want to stroll around the indoor track in the morning.
“The monthly rate for seniors is $16 — we felt that was pretty reasonable,” Caswell said. “It’s 50 cents a day, and you get a free cup of coffee. We’re probably losing money on that.”
Johnson said rates are likely to be adjusted over time depending on demand and other factors.
“None of this is set in stone,” he said.
Though it didn’t come up during Tuesday’s meeting, included in the meeting packet was a document addressing common community concerns and complaints about the center — such as the belief that because taxpayer dollars funded the facility, all activities and uses should be free.
According to the Parks and Recreation Department, given sizable operating costs, it would be financially irresponsible not to find ways to cover those costs. The document claims that few parks and recreation programs are free, but Fulton’s proposed fees are low relative to other facilities in the Central Missouri area. Generating revenue from special events and tournaments that welcome non-residents to town will help keep costs affordable for residents.
The department is looking at introducing some no-cost hours during which the facility will be open to all Fulton residents.
Rental rates
Fulton City Council members voted to approve membership rates. However, proposed facility rental rates proved more of a sticking point.
Ward 2’s John Braun and Ward 1’s Valerie Sebacher pointed out that proposed rental fees for the banquet room, in particular, seemed low: $380 for seven hours and $550 for a full day.
“It’s dirt cheap — we’re giving it away,” Braun said.
Caswell noted the rate is comparable to other similar facilities in the region.
“I don’t think we have to be the cheapest,” Braun said, noting Fulton’s facility is brand new and high-quality.
Sebacher asked for more specifics concerning deposits, policies for getting the deposit back, whether tables and chairs are included in the rental fees, and whether people can rent the banquet room without the kitchen. Caswell agreed to work out a new banquet room rate and continue developing those policies before the next council meeting Feb. 9.
The recreation center will be open 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Those hours are also subject to adjustment based on demand. The city hopes to open the fitness center and cardio room 24/7; access is included with memberships.
The Legends Rec Plex is set to open early this spring, though no date has been announced.
In addition to event space, the rec plex features classrooms, volleyball and basketball courts, an indoor track, cardio and weight rooms, batting cages, a field house and more.