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The Center Recreational Facility Operations

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1. Why did the City of Bedford outsource the operational side of The Center?

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

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

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

3. Why are other recreational centers able to provide lower rates to their residents than Bedford has for The Center?

One of the common questions Bedford 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 recreational 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 offers. 

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

The seniors are able to attend the City's senior programming AND the senior programming at The Center. The YMCA has 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 provides many, if not most, eligible seniors a greatly reduced or free membership rate. Additionally, the YMCA offers 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 moved to the larger space within The Center in 2023. 

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

Yes.

6. Have any City of Bedford employees been negatively affected by the YMCA operating The Center?

No. Employees have not been 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 does the City of Bedford hold the YMCA accountable?

The contract between the City and any outside entity approved to oversee The Center’s operations contains 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 exclusively manages The Center within Generations Park.

They are 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 owns all fitness equipment.

12. What will happen to the existing YMCA building?

The old Bedford YMCA building has closed.

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

The City routinely monitors 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. Does The Center have day passes for anyone wishing to use the aquatic facilities for a day?

Yes, day passes are available. A day pass for Bedford residents (over the age of three) is $5 per person. A day pass for non-residents (over the age of three) is $10 per person.

There is no limit on the amount of passes you can purchase.

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

Yes, the ability for the community to rent rooms is incorporated into the agreement between the City of Bedford and the YMCA. If you'd like to rent a room within the facility, please contact YMCA staff at 817-725-8439.

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

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