Alderwoman Asks for Review of Membership Fees for The Timbers

The costs for membership fees at the soon-to-be-opened Eureka recreational center the Timbers are continuing to spark debate among residents and the city’s board of aldermen.

At a meeting earlier this month, alderwoman Marilyn Leistner said she would like the city’s staff to review the price structure at the Timbers, “based on recent activities and comments.” Her request comes after a Eureka resident complained to the board at a May 21 meeting that her family could not afford to join the Timbers.

Leistner explained that she had researched the way other facilities in the area charge their members, pointing to places like the YMCA and a center Arnold center that offer reduced rates for qualifying families.

“In Arnold, they have an application for scholarships if someone can’t afford the full fee,” she said.

Currently, at the Timbers a full membership for a family of residents is $550 annually, with other membership’s ranging from as little as $250 for seniors to as much as $750 for non-resident families. 20-visit passes may also be purchased at $100 for adult residents, $85 for youth and $75 for seniors.

The board then discussed several other options and issues surrounding how people can receive access to the Timbers, including allowing seniors to use the cardio equipment free of charge and providing a promotional discount for charter members during the facility’s initial year.

The latter idea was put forward by mayor Kevin Coffey, who said he was more inclined to do a temporary promotion than a permanent change. 

"I think the idea that may work best is something to get people to know the facility and appreciate its features. Something to promote the facility," he said. 

However, city attorney Kathy Butler urged caution and advised that it would best to consider any modifications further “down the road.” Part of the issue facing the board in setting the price is that the amount of membership and money that can or will be generated by the Timbers is unknown.  

“You have to do a worst case scenario in case we don’t get the membership they are projecting,” she said.

Butler also said comparing Eureka's proposed rates to other cities isn't an exact science, since "every city's budget is different."

Leistner’s request was made during a period of the meeting reserved for comments from the board members and no formal action was taken by the aldermen. 

Eureka Parks Director Missy Burden did not immediately return a request for comment.