Tax-subsidized recreational facilities drain on city funds

The Beavercreek Golf Club typically earns enough money to cover operating expenses, but not enough to cover capital and debt costs. In 2008 Nearly $1 million of the city's general fund went toward repaying the $9.5 million construction debt from 1997. File photo

Bill Reinke The Beavercreek Golf Club typically earns enough money to cover operating expenses, but not enough to cover capital and debt costs. In 2008 Nearly $1 million of the city's general fund went toward repaying the $9.5 million construction debt from 1997. File photo

ENLARGE PHOTO

Ty Greenlees/Ty Greenlees Splash Moraine water park will be closed in 2010 due to a budget shortfall for the City of Moraine.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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Staff report Updated 5:57 PM Saturday, November 28, 2009

Golf course are not the only municipal-owned recreation facilities that are subsidized by taxpayers.

Community centers, a city-owned water park and even pools have emerged as drains on government operating dollars.

In Moraine, city leaders announced budget shortfalls forced them to close Splash Moraine, a city water park that drew thousands of visitors, but lost $400,000 a year.

In Greene County, commissioners did not reopen municipal pools in Fairborn and Xenia this past summer to save the $100,000 the pools typically lose annually.

Mason subsidizes also a community center, spending $1.1 million in 2008 with another $1 million this year. Jennifer Trepal, city spokeswoman, said Mason was partnering with TriHealth, a Cincinnati-based hospital group, which will build medical and physical therapy facilities, that will offset expenses with lease revenues.

Despite these subsidies, there are still cities looking to expand their recreational offerings.

Oakwood city officials are exploring both an expansion of the current community center or a new facility.

“There are a lot of folks in Oakwood who want us to explore this,” said City Manager Norbert Klopsch.

The city is seeking community input to draft a public athletic and recreation facilities master plan to provide a guide for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements over the next five to 10 years, Klopsch said. “(Citizens) want us to explore the options. We’ve heard this repeatedly over the years,” Klopsch said.

Like many communities, Klopsch said, Oakwood needs to find the right balance of residents’ recreational needs and fiscal concerns.

— Christopher Magan, Kelli Wynn and Kristin McAllister

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