Photo Credit: Courtesy Of City of Brunswick
In 2006, The Brunswick Community Recreation and Fitness Center, located in Brunswick, Ohio, was operating at its lowest level since opening in 1991. Over the years the membership declined, equipment aged, revenues decreased, and the building became dated. Membership was at a low of 2,261 members for a community of more than 35,000 people, and the center had lost over $400,000. The city was also facing financial constraints as the economy was changing; it was apparent a change was needed in the way the recreation center was being operated and managed.
A community survey was generated to analyze the wants and needs of residents. At the same time, an evaluation was compiled for all programs, and an analysis was performed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the operations and the facility.
The Jumping-Off Point
The results were not surprising. Residents wanted improved customer service, extended operating hours, additional creative programming, and an overall updated facility. The evaluations revealed that many programs were not being conducted efficiently and were actually losing money. Using a math formula, a plan was created to identify key targets to turn the facility around. It was determined that the recreation center could become solvent in its operations within 3 years. But the real challenge was about to begin.