The Timbers of Eureka recreation center will have new rates at the start of next year.
Rates to use the facility, 1 Coffey Park Lane, will rise between $1 and $14 with the lowest increase changing the daily-use rate and the highest increase changing the price for a 20-visit pass. The new rates go into effect on Jan. 1.
Kristen Christenson, Parks and Recreation Department director, said the rate increase is due to improvements made to the center this year, including new workout equipment, renovated locker rooms and saunas and upgrades made to the pool and deck.
The cost of living also has increased in recent years, Christenson said.
“We haven’t raised membership rates since 2019,” she said. “We have to account for the cost-of-living increase through the last four or five years. We didn’t want to go up by a huge percentage. We’re going to do an increase this year, and then every other year we’re going to take into account the cost of living (when setting membership rates).”
The rate increase also affects membership prices and pickleball fees, according to the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Facility rental rates are not changing, Christenson said.
Members received notification of the increase in an email earlier this month.
The Eureka Board of Aldermen approved nearly $200,000 for improvements to the Timbers in April, with crews working through September to create a new cycling studio and cardio room on the upper level, install new plumbing and fixtures in the locker rooms, and install new rubber flooring and weightlifting equipment on the ground floor.
The improvements were paid for with a $465,000 grant from St. Louis County and funds from the city’s capital improvement project budget.
Christenson said membership levels are holding steady compared to in years past, despite periodic closures of certain areas of the facility for renovations. She said there are more than 1,200 total paid memberships to the Timbers, including all plan types, and about 1,800 people participate in either the Silver Sneakers or the Renew Active programs, both of which cover membership fees for those with Medicare supplement plans.
“After the summer, we do see a drop in memberships because the pool closes, people have busy lives and all of that,” Christenson said. “I do anticipate, after the first of the year, to get an increase again with New Year’s resolutions and things like that happening.”
Christenson said the Timbers is “more than just a gym” and strives to maintain a culture of community.
“We know that you can go find a cheaper price if that’s what you’re looking for, just a gym and not the pool or the childcare or the other amenities we have,” she said. “We’re really striving to be a place for the community to connect, more than just coming here to work out.
“I’m excited to put our best foot forward and have this improved facility for people to take part in.”
Increases by plan
According to the city’s website, the current membership rates will increase as follows:
The youth, 12-17 years old, and senior monthly rate will increase from $24 to $26 for residents and $32.50 to $36 for non-residents.
The adult monthly rate will increase from $32.50 to $36 for residents and $40.50 to $45 for non-residents.
The couple’s monthly rate will increase from $40.50 to $45 for residents and $57.50 to $63 for non-residents.
The family monthly rate will increase from $49 to $54 for residents and $65.50 to $72 for non-residents.
Twenty-visit passes will increase from $95 to $105 for youth and seniors who are residents and will increase from $105 to $116 for non-residents.
Adult 20-visit passes will increase from $110 to $121 for residents and from $135 to $149 for non-residents.
Daily rates for youth and senior residents will increase from $6 to $7, and non-residents will increase from $8 to $9.
Adult resident daily rates will increase from $7 to $9, and non-resident adults will increase from $9 to $10.
Membership applications can be filled out at the Timbers. Residents will need to bring a current utility bill and a government-issued license.
For more information, call 636-938-6775.