Impact of Increased Gym Rental Fees on Youth 

To: Newnan City Council and City Management 

• City of Newnan
• City Manager’s Office
• Newnan Leisure Department 
• Newnan, Georgia

From:

The Parents & Guardians of Newnan Outlaw Basketball Athletes

Subject: Impact of Increased Gym Rental Fees on Youth Basketball Registration Costs

We, the undersigned parents and guardians of youth athletes participating in the Newnan Outlaw Basketball Program, respectfully submit this petition to express our concerns regarding the recent decision by the City of Newnan to begin charging rental fees for the use of the Howard Warner Gymnasium.

For years, the Howard Warner facility has served as a central and accessible location for youth in our community. Its availability has allowed hundreds of families—many of whom are working-class, single-parent households, or families with multiple children—to affordably participate in organized youth sports. This access plays a critical role in keeping our children active, supported, and engaged in positive developmental activities.

However, the newly enforced rental fee structure has caused the cost of basketball registration to nearly double per player. This sudden and significant increase is creating a financial barrier for many families who simply cannot absorb the added expense. As a result, several parents have expressed that they may not be able to register their children this season, despite their desire for them to remain involved in safe, supervised, character-building activities.

We fully understand that operational costs must be considered, and we appreciate the City’s efforts to maintain its facilities. Nevertheless, the unintended consequences of this decision disproportionately impact local families and restrict youth access to essential recreational programming.

We respectfully request the following:

1. A reconsideration of the rental fee structure for youth nonprofit sports programs, especially those serving underserved areas of Newnan.
2. A reduced or community-rate pricing model for local youth organizations.
3. A temporary suspension of the new fees until a community meeting can be held to discuss a fair and sustainable solution.
4. Collaboration between the City of Newnan and youth sports leaders to ensure gym access remains affordable and equitable for all families.

Why This Matters

Youth sports keep kids off the streets, out of trouble, and focused on academics and teamwork.

Rising registration costs will reduce participation and limit opportunities for children who need it most.

Community recreation should remain accessible and affordable—not a financial burden.

The Howard Warner Center was built to serve the community; pricing families out goes against its purpose.

Our Commitment

We, the Newnan Outlaw Basketball Program and the families we serve, are committed to partnering with the City of Newnan to find a solution that supports both the City's operational needs and our children’s well-being. We simply ask that the City consider the financial reality of the families in our community and help keep youth sports accessible.