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Park District implements new fee policies

The Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is implementing changes as of January 1 that will benefit many fitness enthusiasts, military families, and participants who live outside THPRD boundaries.

THPRD is taking a new approach to its group fitness programming, dropping the preregistration requirement for more than 200 weekly group classes, including yoga, Pilates, Zumba, BodyPump and aqua fitness classes. (Elsie Stuhr Center and Tualatin Hills Nature Center patrons may still preregister for some group fitness programs.)

The district’s new Deluxe Pass allows patrons to participate in group fitness classes at any facility whenever space permits. It provides up to two hours of free childcare at participating facilities, and also includes access to pools, weight rooms, cardio equipment and other drop-in benefits included with the General Pass (formerly Frequent User Pass).

 “We wanted to introduce a more user-friendly model to give guests better access to all of our facilities,” said Sharon Hoffmeister, superintendent of Aquatics. “The more you use it, the lower your cost per visit, and there’s nothing lost when you don’t go.”

The Deluxe Pass for an adult (ages 18-57) can be purchased monthly for $51.50 or at a discounted rate for periods of three, six or 12 months. Daily admission to a fitness class, without the childcare benefit, is $10 for in-district adults.

THPRD offers early registration and lower program fees to in-district residents, who support park and recreation services through property taxes. To encourage more participation by out-of-district residents, THPRD is introducing an option that lets them choose to pay a 25% premium for each class taken, instead of the required assessment ($80 quarterly or $320 annually). This option will apply to all classes that begin after January 1 as well as General Passes, Deluxe Passes, and drop-in activities.

To further encourage out-of-district participation, THPRD has shortened the out-of-district registration moratorium to two days, from the previous six days. As a result, winter term registration for out-of-district registration begins Monday, Dec. 15.

Current Washington County law requires new development within the THPRD service area to annex the properties into the district, ensuring that the new residents will support park facilities with their taxes. Prior to 2004, as the Cedar Mill and Bethany areas began to develop, it was up to individuals to annex into the district, resulting in a patchwork of in- and out-of-district parcels.

THPRD is also introducing a 10% discount for military personnel (including veterans) and dependent family members. “The idea of a discount for military personnel is one that has been discussed here at THPRD for a long time,” said Director of Planning Aisha Willits, who is overseeing implementation of the comprehensive plan update. “We are pleased to finally make it happen and honor them and their families for their service to our nation.”

In addition, the district will begin implementing a five-year schedule to standardize, at 10%, larger discounts currently provided to seniors, youth, and patrons with special needs. Reduction of current discounts will be carried out over a multiyear schedule. The qualifying age for senior discounts will be adjusted to match the federally established Medicare/Social Security eligibility age. The eligibility age for discounts is now 58; it will increase to 62 in 2016 and to 65 in 2017. Changes will not affect the long-standing minimum age of 55 for participation in Elsie Stuhr Center programs. Discounts are available only to in-district residents. They do not apply to certain services, primarily rentals or private lessons.

More complete details about the changes outlined here are included in THPRD’s 2015 winter/spring activities guide, which is online and available in print at park district facilities and other community sites.

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