New Golfing, Swimming And Skating Fees Pitched By WeHa Officials

WEST HARTFORD, CT — It may cost a bit more to skate, swim and play golf at West Hartford recreational facilities, but not by a lot and, in many cases, fees won't increase at all.

The West Hartford Human & Community Services Committee met Monday and, by consensus, agreed to send a revised recreational fee package to the full West Hartford Town Council.

As a result, the council will vote on the new fees for 2023 at its Jan. 24 meeting at West Hartford Town Hall.

"We obviously offer many programs across many facilities over many budgets," said West Hartford Director of Social and Leisure Services Helen Rubino to committee members Monday night. "We review these annually to remain competitive in the region."

She said one issue impacting the need to raise added revenue is the increase in the minimum wage, as many part-time, seasonal recreation employees are young people working their first jobs, etc.

The minimum wage in Connecticut is now $15 an hour, Rubino said, requiring a corresponding increase to West Hartford wages for part-time, seasonal workers, which number in the "hundreds."

According to the proposed fee revisions, rates will go up a bit at Rockledge Golf Course, with green fees for nine and 18 holes going up by about a $1.

The seasonal residential golf pass fees at Rockledge are also going up by $90 a year for regular members; $140 for senior citizens; and $100 for "partial privileges," Rubino said.

Fees for non-resident members are going up by a similar margin as well, according to Rubino.

Rubino said it's estimated the fee increases at Rockledge will add $53,000 to that golf course's budget.

Meanwhile, fees at the Buena Vista Golf Course are expected to remain unchanged, for the most part, with small increases for some services there.

Most Veterans Memorial Skating Rink fees, such as admission and skate rentals, will remain the same, with some increases in ice rentals at the facility.

At the town's Cornerstone Aquatics Center, swim fees will, for the most part, remain unchanged for residential members, but small increases are being sought for non-resident admission.

For the full list of impacted West Hartford recreational fees proposed, click on this link.