Reviving McHenry's Recreation Center: A Plan to Boost Membership
The McHenry Recreation Center is on a mission to regain its pre-pandemic popularity. The city is considering hiring PROS Consulting, an Indiana-based firm, to conduct a comprehensive business and marketing analysis.
The Struggle to Attract Members
Despite efforts like billboards, flyers, and radio ads, the center's membership has yet to bounce back. Bill Hobson, the center's director, admits that marketing isn't their team's strong suit.
The Cost of the Study
The study, priced at $37,280, aims to explore whether expanding the facility could attract more members. The rec center, opened in 2016, was designed with future expansions in mind, including indoor and outdoor pools.
Membership Numbers
- Pre-pandemic membership: ~2,000
- Current membership: ~1,300
The Aging Aquatic Center
The city also has an aging aquatic center, Merkel Pool, nearing the end of its useful life. Hobson suggests adding a field house with three basketball courts to offset pool costs and generate more revenue through tournaments.
Previous Expansion Attempts
In 2018, a $30 million expansion was voted down by 61% of voters. The current expansion estimate is even higher, at $42 million. The upcoming study is not necessarily about pushing for another referendum but about optimizing the facility's use and resources.
The Goal
Hobson emphasizes the goal is to create a recreation center that people want to use and visit. He believes that great parks and events can make McHenry a more attractive place to live. The city owns a lot of parkland, including Knox Park, which could potentially have a pump bike track added.
