Rec Center is Hugely Popular, But Not a Money-Maker

When you fork over your $245 for a yearly membership at the , you may think you're paying your way at the facility.

Not quite. 

Memberships cover only about 75 percent of the cost of running the $4.8 million-a-year operation, according to Finance Director Joseph Dubovec.

The rest -- about $1.2 million a year -- comes from the city's general fund.

"I think you'd be hard-pressed to find many community rec centers that support themselves," Recreation Director Bryan Bogre said.

An exception is Brunswick, which provides only as many programs as its membership income allows.

"They're a much smaller operation than we are," Bogre said.

In addition to the tax money from the general fund, another $2 million a year goes to pay off debt on the facility and programs, Finance Director Joe Dubovec said.

That translates to $72 in tax money for every resident of Strongsville going to recreation each year.

Memberships at the rec center are currently $245 a year for an individual who lives or works full-time in Strongsville, and $395 for a non-resident.

There are also special rates for couples ($345), youths ($150), college students ($150) families ($395), senior citizens ($135) senior couples ($240) and military personnel ($140).