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The Center Recreational Facility Operations

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1. Why is the City of Bedford outsourcing the operational side of The Center?

Considering the high cost of subsidizing the operational side of the Center, it would be irresponsible if the City did not look at outside options/sources for providing these services.

2. How would the City be affected financially if it had to operate the Center?

The City would have to spend approximately $907,053 if the City operated the Center annually.

3. Why are other rec centers able to provide lower rates to their residents than Bedford has proposed for the Center?

One of the common questions Bedford has received is in regard to the City of Grapevine's recreational facility and its rates. Grapevine collects almost triple the amount of sales tax that Bedford does and has approximately the same population. The extra sales tax enables them to subsidize the operational costs so their membership rates are less. 

There are additional reasons why other Cities can offer lower rates. First, their rec centers are much older so their debt service costs are either minimal or non-existent. Second, those facilities typically don't offer the modern and wide variety of amenities that Bedford will offer. 

4. How will seniors benefit from the City partnering with the YMCA?

The seniors will be able to attend the City's senior programming AND the senior programming at The Center. The YMCA has already determined what works well for senior programming and services through their many years of experience running recreational facilities.  As an example, the YMCA’s Silver Sneakers program, which would provide many, if not most, eligible seniors with a greatly reduced or free membership rate. Additionally, the YMCA will offer senior-only programming such as water aerobics, exercise classes, potlucks, various classes such as art and ceramics (using the City's pottery kiln within the facility), book and game clubs, and much more. Additionally, the popular senior dances will be moved to the larger space within The Center as soon as the building is able to host this event. 

5. Will the City still have its senior programs at Old Bedford School?

Yes.

6. Will any City of Bedford employees be negatively affected by the YMCA operating the Center?

No. Employees will not be negatively impacted. However, if there’s no longer a demand for senior programs at Old Bedford School, the YMCA has agreed to hire any employees that are currently overseeing senior programming.

7. How long is the initial operations agreement between the City and YMCA?

The initial operations agreement is for five years. Either party can terminate the agreement, by providing a one-year notice. The City of Bedford estimates it would take a year to hire an experienced staff to meet the Center’s staffing needs.

8. How will the City of Bedford hold the YMCA accountable?

The contract between the City and any outside entity approved to oversee the Center’s operations would contain performance measures, required monthly financial reports, an annual audit, in addition to regularly-scheduled presentations to the City Council. 

9. What happens if the City no longer wants the YMCA to operate the Center?

The City of Bedford would provide a one-year termination notice and begin hiring professional staff to operate the Center.

10. What is the YMCA responsible for at The Center?

The YMCA will exclusively manage the Center at Generations Park.

They will be responsible for:

• Staffing of the Center (and maintaining appropriate staffing levels)
• Maintenance, repairs, and janitorial/custodial service for the building
• All utilities, phones, internet, etc. and the associated costs.
• Maintaining the outdoor aquatics facility, including supplying pool supplies and chemicals.

11. Does the City or the YMCA own the fitness equipment at the Center?

The City of Bedford will own all fitness equipment.

12. What will happen to the existing YMCA building?

Regardless of whether the YMCA partners with the City of Bedford to operate the Center, YMCA officials have indicated they will close their Bedford facility.

13. How is the YMCA incentivized to grow The Center’s membership?

The City will routinely monitor the financial performance of the YMCA as it pertains to The Center. If membership numbers grow stagnant, it will be taken into consideration as the City evaluates the relationship moving forward.

14. Since any YMCA member is able to use The Center, is there a concern members from outside Bedford would overrun the facility?

There is not a concern of non-Bedford based YMCA members overrunning The Center. Based on YMCA data that looks at how often members use facilities outside their home branch, City staff estimates approximately 10 percent of The Center visits will be from other YMCA branches.

15. Will The Center still have day passes for anyone wishing to use the aquatic facilities for a day?

Yes, day passes will be available for $10 each. Bedford residents will be allowed to purchase up to 10 guest passes per year. Non-Bedford residents will be allowed to purchase up to three guest passes per year.

16. Will the community be able to rent rooms at The Center?

Yes, the ability for the community to rent rooms will be incorporated into the agreement between the City of Bedford and the YMCA.

17. Will the YMCA be responsible for planning/conducting the City’s special events?

No. The City will continue to be responsible for planning and conducting our own special events.