Bridging the Gap: Low Cost Adult Recreation Innovation Joe Hawley City of Jackson

In This Session… Background How we got started New program identification Specific cost structures What makes these programs successful Expansion in the future Q&A Session

Background Population - ~33,000 Recreation in Jackson operates through millage 2014 millage renewal Over 100,000 yearly participants Over 300 part time employment positions

Getting Started Millage services all youth programming and senior programming Increased millage=increased programming What about the adults? Jackson offers traditional forms of adult recreation Why should kids have all the fun?

Creating New Programs Identifying opportunities Using current facilities and equipment Feedback from young adult organizations and community members Low risk/high reward programs Keeping costs consistent and low Gym Class games for adults…

Indoor Soccer Drop-In Style Appeal to all current outdoor soccer teams Use one of City owned gyms Trial-and-Error Let the participants mold the program Informal structure

Indoor Soccer

Dodgeball Lightweight balls Small teams Use one of City- owned gyms Trial-and-Error Rapid pace Quantity of games Instant Satisfaction!

Adult Wiffleball Use current softball field Small team sizes Appeals to large demographics Trial-and-Error Simple set up Playground atmosphere Family friendly

Wiffleball

Financial Breakdown Indoor Soccer 2 goals - $300 x 2 Soccer balls - $30 x 2 Pinnies - $3 x 10 Staff* Costs - ~$300 ($15-$20/hr) Total Costs – Under $1000 start up 2 year break even!

Financial Breakdown Drop-In League $2/person 35 participants per week 8 weeks ~$550 League $100/team x 6 teams $600

Financial Breakdown Dodgeball Revenue Costs $100/team x 6 teams Costs Balls - $105/set of 6 x 2 Staff* - ~$400 Dodgeball has the lowest cost of any full program we offer!

Financial Breakdown Adult Wiffleball Costs Strike Zone Materials - $80 Bases - $50 Backstop - $140 Balls and Bats - $160 Staff* - ~$400 Total - ~$830

Financial Breakdown Adult Wiffleball Revenue $100/team x 8 teams = $800

Keys to Success! Low cost to participate Low staffing costs Programs easily adaptable Simple team organization No prior experience necessary Our league, Our rules! No need for certified “officials”

What’s Next? Potential for growth in current programming Working with local establishments Sponsorships Discounts for participants New program ideas? Kickball Indoor Wiffle

THANK YOU! Questions?