Reno raises recreation fees, introduces income-based discounts and new payment options

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — It's now more expensive to use some Reno recreation centers. But now the city is allowing some deep discounts, depending on your income. And how you pay is different too.

As of July 1, recreation centers are now charging more money for certain services. Day passes went up significantly.

"For adults it went from five dollars to 10 dollars. Seniors get a 20% discount on all of our fees," said Reno's Parks and Recreation Director, Nathan Ullyot. "For children it went from three dollars to five dollars."

Hank Ebbert is concerned. He's a senior who uses Teglia's Paradise Park Activity Center.

"I pay two dollars a time. I hear it's going to ten dollars," he said. "That's a lot of money, 50 weeks, that's $500 a year. That's way too much."

News 4-Fox 11 talked to a lot of seniors who were confused by the many rumors and comments on social media that were spreading misinformation about the new prices.

Here's the facts according to The Reno Parks and Recreation director:

Full-priced memberships went from $360 a year $600.

"There's a lot of folks who can afford it and we're just asking the folks who can, please do and those who can't, we have a program for you that will give you that hand up," Ullyot said.

The price increases will allow Reno to pay for part the new Moana pool that's scheduled to open later this summer.

Shirley Sturn, 88, said she can't pay the new full price rec fees.

"I can't. If I did, I couldn't buy food or pay my rent," she said.

As of the beginning of the month, most people will be able to get a discount based on income levels. Some people making less than $30,119 can get an 80% discount. The discounts are on a sliding scale.

"A really important part is that sliding scale. A child could pay as little as three dollars a month. An adult could pay as little as twelve dollars a month," Ullyot said.

Many seniors can also get into the rec centers and do activities for free. Their third-party healthcare program, like Medicare, pays the city for the services.

One price did go down. People buying pool passes saw a drop. Effective now, the price for adults dropped from five dollars to four dollars. Kids will now be two dollars, down from three dollars.

Residents will now be able to pay monthly for their membership fees, rather than quarterly or years as in years past. That might make it a little easier for someone's budget.