The new activity center building currently under construction on the Oxford Park Commission campus is expected to cost about $228,458 annually to operate. Plans are to move into the building in December and open to the public in January 2019.
As the new $10 million facility begins to take shape, OPC is evaluating how much the facility will cost to run and what projected revenues might come from programs held at the new center.
Five years ago, OPC entered into a contract with GreenPlay LLC, a company that studied the potential income and expenses for the recreational facility. On Tuesday, Pat O’Toole with GreenPlay, presented its projected five-year budget for the new center.
“The revenues shown in this annual budget for the new activity center only consider any additional revenue and expenses to the current OPC annual budget (for the new facility),” O’Toole said.
Many activities in the new building will be transferred from the existing facility and are not considered to be new revenues and expenses.
The hours of operation for the new center will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
A $40,238 revenue is expected to come mostly through room and gymnasium rentals and program fees. With the addition of the new building providing more space, it’s expected there will be 60 additional youth basketball league participants; 80 additional day camp participants; 85 additional gymnastic participants; 50 additional youth volleyball league participants; and 20 additional pickleball participants. However, since pickleball is a program through Leisure Lifestyles there are no user fees to participate.
Expenses are projected to be $228,458, which includes more than $50,000 for utilities annually for the new facility; camp counselor and instructor wages; and maintenance and custodial supplies. The utility expense was based on the average utility bills at the current location.
However, OPC Board President Mike McGee pointed out the new facility will be more energy-efficient, which should lower expected utility bills.
The remaining $188,221 will come from the city of Oxford and be figured into OPC’s budget.
The new facility will include a 1,585-square-foot fitness room, walking track on the second floor overlooking the basketball courts and large gymnastics area. The current gymnastics area will be converted into classroom space in the old facility.
OPC has a $1.6 million budget for the current facility and its programs.
Budget hearings for the 2018-2019 fiscal year are expected to begin within the next few weeks when the Oxford Board of Aldermen review each department’s budget. The final budget for the city of Oxford must be approved by Sept. 15.
By hottytoddy.com contributor Alyssa Schnugg
