A Stronger System for Everyone

We are facing higher costs to operate and maintain our facilities, run programs, and provide safe, high-quality spaces. Tax dollars cover only part of these expenses. Small, carefully distributed fee increases help us avoid closing facilities, cutting programs or reducing access.

We reviewed all program areas, cost trends and participation data. We also examined fees in comparable cities. The goal was a balanced, fair approach that protects access for the greatest number of residents.

Most increases are small and vary by program area. They are designed to spread costs across multiple age groups and activities to keep any single increase as low as possible.

The new fees take effect in 2026. We are sharing this information now so residents have time to plan and ask questions.

We did not target any single group for fee increases. Adjustments were made across multiple program areas to keep changes modest for everyone. Older adults still have many free and low-cost options available across our centers.

Tax dollars provide a strong foundation, but they do not cover the full cost of operating our centers, maintaining facilities, staffing programs and keeping them safe, clean and high-quality. Fees help bridge this gap and ensure programs remain available citywide.

Just like residents are seeing increases in costs, so is the department. Our operating costs are going up, including staff costs, pool chemicals, utilities and more. We’re also managing more facilities and amenities, including the new Fran Ryan Center, more fields at Kilbourne Run Sports Park and more lighting at pickleball courts. We’ve also acquired land for future use so we can expand our offerings.

The bond package covers future investments in our facilities, and can’t be used to support programming.

Even with these adjustments, Columbus Recreation and Parks remains one of the most affordable systems in the region.

Not at this time. These modest increases help prevent program cuts or reductions in access.

Families with children may be eligible for PLAY Scholarships for youth programs. While older adults do not qualify for that specific scholarship, staff at each center can help identify free and low-cost programs available throughout the year.

Fundraising is voluntary and cannot reliably cover recurring operating expenses. Sustainable, predictable funding is necessary to keep programs consistent, safe and staffed.

The department is working with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation to increase efforts to fundraise and secure sponsorships and partnerships to support programs and the PLAY Scholarship Fund. With a new team in place, we’re hopeful we can increase donations.

Program fees support the cost of running the program — staffing, utilities, supplies and facility operations. Individual instructor pay is not tied to these fee adjustments.

We strive to keep fees stable, and any future adjustments would go through the same careful review. Our priority is affordability and access for the entire community.

Staff are available to talk through alternative programs, low-cost options and ways to stay connected to recreation, fitness and community activities without added financial strain.

This change aligns senior programming across the department. It’s also in line with how residents access our programs – the average age of participants in senior programming is 68.