Bay Oaks rec center reports rising memberships and program demand; staff weigh concessions, SilverSneakers and after-hours access

Town parks staff told the Bay Oaks advisory board the rec center has seen a recent uptick in usage: 59 new memberships and 764 facility check-ins in the last three weeks, plus successful community events such as a powerlifting qualifier (~150 attendees) and a Beach Kids Foundation pickleball tournament (~125 attendees).

Neil Mathis, Parks and Recreation manager, described a slate of upcoming programs and events — including holiday family activities and a Lee Health wellness fair — and said staffing remains tight but programming is increasing.

On facility improvements, staff discussed repurposing a community foundation donation of roughly $9,000 originally intended for concession equipment. The board considered turning the concession area into a light-use warming/catering kitchen or administrative office space; staff cautioned that any full cooking would require additional licensing. Jeff Haughey said there is already $9,000 earmarked for concessions equipment and the Friends of Bay Oaks could help staff concessions at events to raise funds.

Staff also said they applied to become a SilverSneakers provider; the enrollment process takes about 6–8 weeks and staff expect an answer by the next meeting. On access, staff described quotes for a fob/key-card system that would let members scan into the gym and cardio rooms outside normal hours; the town must check insurance and liability implications before proceeding.

Board direction: staff will assemble the concession equipment list tied to the donation, continue SilverSneakers outreach and confirm insurance feasibility for a card-access after-hours plan before returning recommendations to the board.

Closing: the board agreed to add maintenance and the concession/office plan to the next meeting agenda.