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

2. 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

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

4. 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?

5. 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…

6. 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

7. Indoor Soccer

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

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

10. Wiffleball

11. 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!

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

13. 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!

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

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

16. 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”

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

18. THANK YOU!
Questions?