Newton Recreation Commission Annual Report 2017 / 2018
Superintendent s Message The enclosed report will detail the 2017/2018 year in review for the Newton Recreation Commission. This report will include highlights, departmental overviews, programming information, and a financial report. Once again this year proved to be an eventful year for the Newton Recreation Commission. The City of Newton and USD #373 joined with the Recreation Commission to pool our resources and finances in a cooperative agreement to organize recreational activities in Newton. The Newton Recreation Commission oversees and maintains approximately 55 acres of sports facilities in Newton. The NRC provides a wide array of sports, recreation activities, lessons, and special events that are available for citizens of all ages and abilities. The NRC employees 12 full time staff and 139 part time and seasonal staff in 2017/2018. This year two projects were completed through the Public Building Commission. Kelsch Softball Field added a new Restroom and Umpire/Referee Room to the Complex. The referee room will be shared by Fischer Field Stadium during the football season. Klein Scott Baseball Field at Centennial Park had a new Restroom and Umpire Room added to that facility. That restroom will also be open all day for the public using 2017/2018 Centennial Park. The City of Newton added a smaller restroom on the south edge of Centennial Park to allow participants access to a restroom without walking to the north side of the park. The City also installed a concrete walking path from the south restroom that extends up to the north end of the park. The NRC began discussions with the City of Newton to come up with a plan to renovate the aging Municipal Pool. The City Commission directed City Staff and NRC Staff to research and come up with a cost estimate to renovate the pool. Staff was able to provide an estimate to renovate the pool at $1.7 million. The discussions included an extension of the current Public Building Commission Agreement for another 20 years as a way of funding the renovations. Discussions will continue through 2019. Newton Recreation Commission Board Members Administrative Staff NRC continued their five year plan for equipment and improvements. This year the NRC was able to purchase and replace bleachers at Klein Scott Field; replace and extend dugouts at Gillespie Field and Washington Field; and replace a pickup and a utility vehicle. The City of Newton s Public Works Department installed all concrete for these projects. The collaboration between the City of Newton, USD #373, and the NRC enabled these projects to become a reality. Staff continue to strive for integrity, excellence, and sustainability in our daily duties. As you review this report I hope you are rest assured that these commitments are being met and to the best of our ability exceeded. 2 We would like to thank the City of Newton and USD #373 for their cooperation in assisting us to accomplish our mission. Check us out on Facebook facebook.com/ NewtonRecreationCommision
Programs Christmas Market Ballroom Basics Ballroom Basics is the Programs Department s most popular adult program. In this class participants learn Fox Trot, Swing, and Waltz steps. The past few years it has only been offered around Valentine s Day, however in the upcoming year it will be offered in the Fall as well as the Winter guide. Both couples and individuals are able to register for the class and each session usually reaches the maximum participation available. Painting classes have been another popular class offered in the Programs Department. Currently both youth and adult classes are being offered once a month. Adult Painting Class All supplies are included and our instructor provides step-by-step instruction. Throughout the year we also offer a Parent-Child class where parents and kids paint together. Christmas Market Youth Art and Painting Class 2017 marked the 30th year of NRC s annual Christmas Market. To date, it was our largest craft market. To celebrate the 30th year we reduced the booth fee and opened the event to non-crafters (direct retail sales consultants) and as a result booked 50 booths. We invited local musicians to come and play during the event. The Newton Children s Community Choir and the Stearman Duo were two of the groups who performed throughout the day. 3
Sports The Sports Department continues to offer quality programs at an affordable rate for the patrons of USD #373. Participant safety and player development is the top priority. The NRC continued their partnership with Fox Ridge Golf Course during the summer of 2018. This is the 11th year for the Jr. Golf Clinic. We had 35 golfers enrolled for the clinic. On the final day each Jr. Golfer is paired up with an Jr. Golf Clinic adult/sponsor and they play a scramble format on the golf course. We had 54 players on the final morning. This was the 6th year partnering with the Bethel College Women s Soccer team to offer an Instructional Soccer Clinic for our Youth Soccer Leagues. Youth participation continues to remain steady. NRC offers the opportunity for the participants to have a reduced fee if they qualify for the USD #373 reduced lunch program. Sponsorships from local businesses and organizations enable us to offer affordable sports programs and opportunities for all citizens within the USD #373 boundaries. Wellness Center NRC celebrated it s 11th year with Silver Sneakers offering classes and wellness center membership. Enrollees grew from 180 last year to 190 this year! The NRC offered InForm, Empowered to Transform - a 13 week clinically tested program designed to assist one s body in rebalancing and resolving health issues related to metabolic syndrome. Trinity Heights Movers & Shakers celebrated 10 years in August. Silver Sneakers The Wellness Division members continue to enjoy using NRC s public Wi-Fi and the larger flat screen televisions. Wellness Center member enrollment declined. Wellness Center member amenities include: free swimming during public swim, racquetball court rental, gym equipment rental, and 2 personal training sessions per new membership. Wellness Director Tracie Strain served on USD #373 s Wellness Advisory Council, Healthy Harvey County Coalition, and Havey County Food & Farm Council. Youth Instructional Soccer Wellness Center 4
Aquatics The indoor pool is quite busy year round with lap swim, exercise classes, open swim, PE classes, training, rentals, birthday parties, and swim lessons. During the summer a few activities are moved to the outdoor pool, such as lap swim and swim lessons. Swim lessons are also offered indoors year round and are a popular option for Swim Lessons Lifeguard Training young kids. Most days the pool is in use from 6:30 am until 9:00 pm. Water is kept at 89 degrees year round, being quite comfortable for exercise and also for sore joints and muscles. Use of the indoor pool for lap swim and public swim is included in the Wellness Center Membership package. First Aid and CPR classes are offered to the public and to local businesses such as day cares and support agencies. NRC also trains all NRC staff in CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Management. Swim Lessons Facilities & Maintenance The Field Maintenance Division takes care of maintaining game fields and surrounding areas for Newton Recreation patrons and for USD #373 activities. Occasionally rain on game days makes for a challenge, but the crew is well prepared with training, supplies and equipment. Irrigation helps keep some of the areas green. Staff is challenged with keeping a careful eye on water usage while irrigating. Three park shelters for rent are the responsibility of the NRC to clean and schedule for parties and family gatherings. Maintenance of the new restrooms at Kelsch and Klein Scott have been added to our responsibilities. New Dugouts (concrete, fencing, roof, and windscreen) have been constructed by NRC at Washington, Kelsch, and Gillespie diamonds. New large bleachers have been added to Gillespie and Washington Fields. With other smaller/portable bleachers added to other game fields. Gates at Fischer Field have been added and modified to allow officials to use a new locker room at Kelsch Field. Construction of bleachers at Klein Scott field is under way and will be completed by spring 2019. In-between duties on the outdoor areas, the Field Maintenance Division helps with events and games at Fischer Field and other NRC events. NRC staff sets up the Christmas Card Display in Military Park. Fall is our time for repairs such as over seeding, as well as marking fields for soccer and football. During the winter, equipment is maintained and repaired and large projects like bleachers take place. The Field Maintenance Division maintains the bus and all of the NRC mowers, trucks, etc. This same crew does the snow and ice removal at the Newton Recreation Commission Activity Center. 5
Financial Summary Revenues Expenses 6
Fischer Field Revenues 2017/2018 8-Man State Championship Expenses Fischer Field Events 2017/2018 8-Man State Championship 7
Take Control with Exercise Discovery Camp Participation Reports 2017/2018 Municipal Pool 8 Pre-K Exploratory Art & Sensory Class
Discovery Camp Adult Softball Youth Scholarships 2017/2018 Youth Baseball Youth Indoor Soccer Youth Basketball 9
Municipal Pool 2018 The 2018 municipal pool season began on Tuesday, May 29th. Summer temperatures were in the 80s and 90s early in the pool season. On day two the high temperature was 91 degrees. Throughout June and July weather was great for being at the pool, only closing for weather on six occasions during these two months. August was our hottest month with an average temperature of 94 degrees. The pool stayed busy during most of the summer with public swim, lap swim, family swim, rentals, parties, and events. Families Weekly Staff In-Service enjoy the occasions where games were provided by NRC during Family Swim. Staff and Management worked and trained very hard to insure the fun and safety of patrons. Lifeguards scan and survey the water; many times making rescues and providing first aid in both minor and major accidents. Weekly in-service trainings continue to be held on Friday mornings during the season and help to keep skills strong and current. Swim lessons are offered throughout the summer and are very popular. With over 100 classes offered many kids will take multiple lessons during the summer. Private swim lessons are a popular option, offering customized and flexible classes for both children and adults. Popular events at the pool are Sports Appreciation Night and the Pooches Plunge. This year the Fishing Derby had over 50 kids and 10 dozen worms participate. Prizes were awarded for the biggest fish and hot dogs were provided for lunch after fishing. Swim Lessons 10 Municipal Pool - Family Swim Fun Night
Attendance Swim Lessons Average Air Temperature Municipal Pool Revenues & Expenses (Summer Season) 11
Discovery Camp 2018