The Mountain Home Community Center generated over $700,000 in revenue during its first summer, according to figures presented at a September 1 meeting of the city's Parks and Recreation Committee. The center opened its doors to the public on May 22, and memberships contributed the bulk of the earnings, bringing in $514,328.80. Additional revenue came from day passes, which totaled $143,952.47, concessions at $28,404.23, and room rentals amounting to $17,268.50, according to Parks and Recreation Director Daniel Baxley.
The center recorded 17,216 day pass sales and reported 6,086 primary members—individuals who signed up directly, not counting spouses or children included in family plans. These numbers exceeded expectations set prior to the grand opening. The city had initially targeted 1,000 members at launch and 2,500 by year-end, goals that were surpassed within weeks.
At an August 6 plaque ceremony, Baxley noted that membership had swelled to 7,009 primary members, or approximately 13,000 individuals including family members. At that time, day pass sales had reached 14,782, generating $113,994 in revenue, while concessions brought in $24,585. By September 1, day pass sales had grown by nearly 2,400, adding about $30,000 more in revenue. However, the primary membership count from the latest report was about 900 lower than the August figure. The committee’s minutes did not clarify whether this dip was due to expired summer memberships or a revised counting method.
The revenue figures exclude funds raised through sales taxes, which funded construction of the 65,000-square-foot facility. Approved by voters on March 9, 2021, through a narrow margin of 47 votes, the temporary and permanent taxes allowed the city to break ground on December 13, 2022. Membership fees were structured to cover operating costs from the outset.
While the center’s early success has drawn attention, operational costs are coming into focus. At the meeting, the committee approved an annual $18,438.46 service agreement with Trane for the maintenance of the building’s HVAC systems, extending the warranty from 20 years to 25. This cost breaks down to $1,536.54 per month.
Baxley announced the center would begin accepting Renew Active, a fitness program tied to certain Medicare plans, along with the Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit programs already honored. Members of these programs can access the center at no additional cost. Renew Active’s initial rollout will focus on the 65-and-older age group, with potential expansion to younger participants in the future.
In a move to increase access, the committee agreed to establish a scholarship fund for residents unable to afford memberships. The fund will be managed by a newly formed committee consisting of one committee member and two community members. Baxley plans to submit his recommendations for the community representatives in October. Council member Jennifer Baker, who attended the meeting as a guest, also suggested adding more handicap-accessible parking spaces. Baxley confirmed he has requested a review of the parking lot.
The busy inaugural summer has led to operational adjustments. In August, the center limited access to its indoor pool to members only and shifted weekday outdoor pool hours to evenings, citing staffing challenges as student lifeguards returned to school. Despite this change, the outdoor pools remain open through September 30, weather permitting—extending longer than most regional outdoor pools.
By August, the center had hosted 90 facility rentals and scheduled an additional 78 through the end of 2023. Denbro Coffee and Custard, operating within the center, reported high sales, serving around 110 ice cream cones daily, according to Baxley. Swim lessons have also become the Parks Department’s second-largest program.
Committee members Philip Frame, Susan Stockton, and Nick Reed attended the September meeting, along with City Clerk Scott Liles and Allison Parks as guests. The next committee meeting is scheduled for October.