New members have flocked to the Arnold Recreation Center since April 1, when rates were lowered.
The rec center, 1695 Missouri State Road, has seen a 198.9 percent increase in memberships since the rates were changed.
“The response has been tremendous,” City Administrator Bryan Richison said. “I think the rates were a big part of it, but I think it helped that things with COVID kind of changed around that time and people felt more comfortable coming back.”
The monthly membership fees are $38 for a family of four; $27 for adults (those 19 through 54); $19 for seniors (55 and older) and $16 for children and students (5 through 18).
There is a minimum four-month requirement for memberships, according to the city’s website.
The new fee system eliminated the bronze and gold membership tiers, which provided different access to the facility and its outdoor pool. It also eliminated the 33 percent markup for non-city residents to be members.
Arnold residents receive a 10 percent discount for memberships.
On March 31, the day before the price changes went into effect, the rec center had 1,566 members, with 466 from Arnold and 1,100 from outside the city limits, city documents said.
As of Monday, memberships had jumped to 4,680, with 1,340 from Arnold and 3,340 from outside the city, according to city documents.
That was a 187.6 percent increase for Arnold residents and a 203.6 percent increase in non-resident members.
“We knew it would work,” Parks and Recreation Director Dave Crutchley said of the price change. “Did we expect it to be this dramatic? I didn’t.”
The largest membership gains have been for family memberships, which are available for up to four people who live in the same household.
Family resident memberships went from 20 as of March 31 to 216 as of Monday. Family non-resident membership increased from nine to 481 in the same time frame, city documents show.
Arnold Parks and Recreation supervisor Ajsa Hukic said staff members highlight more than low prices when telling prospective members about the benefits of joining the rec center.
“We tell people we are very affordable, and you are joining a community, not just a gym,” Hukic said. “We focus on the community events, and when you are here it is like a family. We are very personable, and we have activities for everyone.”
The uptick in members has improved the rec center’s revenue stream.
Between September 2020 and March 2021, the city collected $46,981 in membership fees.
From April through July, the city collected $82,812 in membership fees, a 76.3 percent increase.
“We are all very pleased with the numbers and growth in the memberships,” Richison said.
Members may use all the rec center’s amenities, including an indoor track, basketball courts, a workout area and an indoor pool. They also may use the outdoor pool, which will close after Labor Day, Sept. 6.
“We will see how September goes, and how many passes we have then,” Hukic said.
Parks and Recreation staff members also are creating new events to attract members, like the children’s pajamas and pizza event held Aug. 6.