Lemon Grove Looks at Bolstering Recreational Offerings

The city of Lemon Grove is looking for ways to boost the recreational programs and activities offered to residents. 

On April 2, city staff presented the Lemon Grove City Council with a report outlining ways to increase community participation in the programs.  Staff plans to return to the council tonight for additional feedback.

Lemon Grove's recreation department was dismantled in May 2011 to close a $311,000 budget gap.

The decision drew the ire of many residents, but council members in favor of the plan said at the time that the department's programs were expensive to maintain and not generating much revenue.

Leasing out the Lemon Grove Recreation Center aided the city get to a 61 percent recovery cost in 2011-12 and to 90 percent in 2012-13, the Union-Tribune reported.

Earlier this month, council directed staff to create a cost recovery pyramid to see how the programs at the Lemon Grove Recreational Center have fared fiscally in the past and how they might do in the present and future, Public Works Director Mike James wrote in a staff report.

Council members also called on staff to analyze existing lease agreements with Equinox Laser Tag and Liberty Charter High School, look for opportunities for community and professional partnerships, and evaluate how programs could be expanded.

James said in the report that after conducting an initial analysis, staff has found that “there’s an opportunity to provide more ‘open time’ for ‘community-oriented’ programs.

However, in order to do so, staff would have to look at if a third party is needed to partner with the city to create additional recreational programs, James wrote in the report.

Staff would also need to determine whether or not to set up a 60-day termination clause with Equinox. Laser Tag or let its lease agreement expire at the scheduled June 30 deadline. 

“With the termination of the lease, the City’s annual revenue will decrease by $25,200,” he wrote.  “However, a portion of that revenue may be offset with future third party partnerships.”

Staff would also have to renegotiate its agreement with Liberty Charter High School, which uses the gym five nights a week from 4 to 7 p.m.

The City Council meets tonight at 6 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Community Center.

Would you like to see more recreational programs for the community at the rec center? Tell us in comments.